Inside Waste April - May 2020 by Prime Creative Media

Official Publication of the

ISSUE 95 | APR/MAY 2020

www.insidewaste.com.au A clear strategy has been put forward on export bans for various materials.

INSIDE 26 Plastics Summit 28 Fires waste facilities 33 Textile waste

Waste transformation to be a focus: Minister Ley

COAG commits to historic Waste Response Strategy sector needs to be futureproofed and resourced to deliver the waste reduction and recycling outcomes expected by the community. “Without changes driven by all Australian governments, there is an ongoing risk of stockpiling and illegal waste dumping, rising landfill rates and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions, and business closures as trading markets and the value of materials change,” the statement said. COAG said that the response strategy is intended to do two things: the first is to explain what the export ban involves, which materials are affected, and the timeframes for implementation. The second is to set out the system-level and material-specific challenges and complementary actions needed by all levels of government and industry to support transition to the ban and drive broader longterm change in Australia’s waste and recycling sector. Based on the

challenges and opportunities outlined in the document, Commonwealth, state and territory governments will announce specific commitments in the lead up to the ban’s commencement. According to the strategy, market analysis demonstrates that a key benefit of the export ban is the certainty it creates for industry. It said that a predictable phased ban, rather than sudden and unpredictable changes in export markets, can assist to reduce further shocks to the waste and recycling sector. Leading up to COAG, a spate of federal and state initiatives were released, most notably from Victoria and NSW. Along with these initatives, the strategy also alerted the industry that, based on the challenges and opportunities outlined in the document, commonwealth, state and territory governments would announce specific commitments in the lead up to the ban’s commencement. (Continued on page 20.)

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AUSTRALIA made history at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in mid-March when it released the Waste Response Strategy, detailing bans on the export of plastic, paper, tyres and glass waste between July 2020 and December 2024. All waste glass will be banned by July 2020, mixed waste plastics by July 2021, all whole tyres including baled tyres by December 2021 and remaining waste products, including mixed paper and cardboard, by no later than 30 June 2022. COAG clearly stated that the Commonwealth has committed to improving the quality of waste streams, driving demand, supporting investment and leading by example in projects to significantly increase Australia’s recycling rates. COAG has also committed to collaborating with states and territories that do the same. According to the COAG statement, our domestic waste and recycling

Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley has said that waste is a valuable resource and is a focus for the federal government and it sees the urgent need in reshaping this critical industry. She spoke to Inside Waste after the first Plastics Summit. Australia’s first national Plastics Summit in early March brought the voices of the waste industry together. At the following Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting, more government support was tabled than at any other time in the nation’s history. In the ensuing days, similar declarations were also made by leading state governments. However, global and local events have overshadowed these as Australia comes to grips with the impact of COVID-19 on the population’s health and the economy. Ley said that the response after the Plastics Summit was so positive from participants that she was confident another would be held in 2021. “I received a lot of mail and had subsequent conversations with participants who told me they made new connections at the event and are now developing those business relationships. (Continued on page 24.)

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Editor’s Note //

How a strong, enduring voice makes a difference WHEN I SPOKE with Environment Minister Sussan Ley for the interview in our news pages, I could hear the fervour for the resource recovery industry and the confidence about making real progress in her voice. And, she had every right to be confident, following the historic Waste Response Strategy detailed at the COAG meeting earlier this year. Both Ley and Trevor Evans, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environment Management, have consistently faced the market with a willingness to listen. This was apparent at the inaugural Plastics Summit in early March. Only a week after Ley and I spoke the country began the process of a progressive shutdown. The rapid changes led to calls and emails going back and forth with Ley’s office to see if the commitments and more importantly the budgeting was still in place. The assurance was clear, the Prime Minster remained fully committed to the Strategy. All that had changed was the

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timing, the government just asked that the industry be patient. When the industry sits on the brink of one of the most important changes to the way waste is managed in Australia and there is yet another delay, it is of course, a challenge. Yet, the voices that have been unwavering over the decades of advocacy to bring about change are needed more than ever now. Continued, balanced messages to government and the industry are critical to bring forth the results that were tabled just a short time ago. WMRR has consistently reminded governments of the work still to be done when we all emerge from this testing period. And she said that since there are only two years till the roll-out of the plastics ban and the significant volume of waste plastic that needs to be managed, facilities need to be up and running ahead of 2022. It will be exciting to see this new landscape for the WARR industry soon.

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Publisher Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au General Manager (Sydney) Terry Wogan terry.wogan@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor (Northern) Syed Shah syed.shah@primecreative.com.au Editor Claire Moffat claire.moffat@primecreative.com.au

Subscriptions +61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Inside Waste is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Copyright Inside Waste is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. Business Development Manager All material in Inside Waste is copyright Beth Jarvis and no part may be reproduced or copied beth.jarvis@primecreative.com.au in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including Design Production Manager information and retrieval systems) without Michelle Weston written permission of the publisher. The michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. Design Blake Storey, Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Client Success Manager Media will not accept responsibility for Justine Nardone errors or omissions or for any consequences justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Inside Head Office Waste are not necessarily the Prime Creative Pty Ltd opinions of, or endorsed by 11-15 Buckhurst Street the publisher unless South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia otherwise stated. p: +61 3 9690 8766 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.insidewaste.com.au

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Profile | Alex Elliott-Howery What was your first job involving waste management/resource recovery? I’ve been interested in food waste since my kids were little and I noticed how much food we were wasting. I figured if we were wasting food, then all the other households were as well. I got a bit obsessed with it and taught myself to cook in way that nothing ended up in the bin. What’s the favourite part of your role of co-founder of Cornersmith? We have a café, a cooking school a Picklery and cookbooks. As the owner of the business, I am constantly looking for ways to improve what we do in our kitchens to make sure very little ends up in landfill. We run cooking classes in old fashioned skills like pickling, fermenting, breadmaking and cheese making. All our classes have a focus on cooking from scratch, being less reliant on the supermarket and packaged food; and are full of tips of how to use up any excess food. How has waste management changed over the past few years? The food industry is terrible when it comes to food waste and there is such a long way to go. But it’s been great to see initiatives like the imperfect picks at Harris Farm Markets encouraging consumers to buy less than perfect produce. I’ve noticed a big change in customers interest in food waste over the last two years, the importance of the issue is slowly becoming more important to people. What are some achievements that you are most proud of? We put a lot of time into educating people about how to change their habits in the supermarket and the kitchen. Our chefs work hard to make dishes that highlight parts of fruits and vegetables that normally end up in the bin.

WRIAQ and state government unite to secure industry safety

Queensland remains one of only two states, along with South Australia, where a state government has made this decree.

A decree to make WARR confirmed as an essential service has been implemented following a direct request to the state government from the Waste Recycling Industry Association Queensland (WRIAQ). In its submission, WRIAQ stated that it was critical that the sector maintain a secure supply chain and mitigated risk from any potential additional community health and environmental issues associated with uncollected wastes and recyclables. In late March, Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch, confirmed that cabinet had agreed

to that request. According to WRIAQ CEO Rick Ralph, Queensland remains one of only two states, along with South Australia, where a state government has made this decree. “Additionally, we have also convened a weekly high level meeting with DES including having a Queensland Health representative on board to facilitate and share industry issues on an ongoing basis. It is now agreed that a separate recyclers meeting will also go ahead,” Ralph said. “We trust that this may provide a positive view of the genuine attempt by our regulator to work in partnership with us,” he added.

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Profile | GBCA The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is the nation’s authority on sustainable buildings, communities and cities. Its purpose is to lead the sustainable transformation of the built environment. When was GBCA founded and why? GBCA was established in 2002 after recognising the need for an independent organisation to develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices. Australia’s property and construction industry had already shown that green buildings were achievable and practical with the construction of the venues and facilities at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – dubbed the Green Games. What are the key services that GBCA offers? GBCA rates new and existing buildings with Green Star – Australia’s only national, voluntary, holistic rating system for sustainable buildings and communities. Green Star’s third-party seal of approval holds Australia’s property industry to account – providing a signal that a building or a community meets certain standards. It also works closely with its 550-plus member organisations and governments to deliver on strategic priorities. GBCA delivers professional development courses and events on sustainable building, and it runs an annual TRANSFORM conference in Sydney during March. What are some of GBCA’s plans and ambitions for the next 12-18 months? GBCA has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape the Green Star rating system. Green Star Future Focus will see the rating system evolve and adapt to ensure the sustainable built environment delivers what it needs to, while also responding to global megatrends and emerging challenges.

SA to get radioactive waste management facility THE FEDERAL government has announced that South Australia will be the host of Australia’s national radioactive waste management facility. Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan announced the decision in early February that Napandee in Kimba is the preferred location for the facility. “I am satisfied a facility at Napandee will safely and securely manage radioactive waste and that the local community has shown broad community support for the project and economic benefits it will bring,” Canavan said. About 80 per cent of Australia’s radioactive waste stream is associated with the production of nuclear medicine which, on average, one in two Australians will need during their lifetime, according to a statement by the government. Nuclear medicine is used in the diagnosis of a variety of heart, lung and musculoskeletal conditions, and treatment of specific cancers. This medical waste, along with Australia’s historical radioactive waste holdings, is currently spread over

more than 100 locations across the country, such as science facilities, universities and hospitals. It is Australian government policy and international best practice for this material to be consolidated into a purpose-built facility, where it can be safely managed. In 2015, the federal government began a process to find a suitable site for the facility before deciding on Napandee. The site had to be volunteered by a landowner, technically suitable, and have broad community support from nearby residents. A community ballot undertaken in December 2019, indicated that 61.6 per cent of voters in Kimba support the proposal. However, concerns were raised about potential agricultural impacts. But Canavan said that experience around the world is that waste and agricultural industries can coexist. “I will ensure there is ongoing support for the community and that future planning and development for the facility proceeds in a respectful way.”

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

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NSW Plastics Plan remakes the state’s waste strategy TWO WEEKS after the Victorian government released a comprehensive resource recovery strategy and a week after Australia’s first Plastics Summit, the NSW Government has called on the state community to contribute to its plan to tackle single-use plastics, reduce waste and pollution and increase recycling across the state. The government has released two papers which include a Plastics Plan aimed at managing plastic waste and pollution in the state, and an issues paper that will shape the 20-year waste strategy. NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian said that the community had high expectations and the government needed to ensure it created the best plans for the future. “The NSW Plastics Plan and 20 Year Waste Strategy will be key to ensuring that NSW is a leader when it comes to reducing waste, maximising recycling and protecting our environment,” Berejiklian said. The NSW Plastics Plan discussion paper Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW, outlines a clear pathway to reduce single-use,

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unnecessary and problematic plastics in NSW and help build its circular economy. NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean explained that the Plastics Plan set the stage for the phase-out of priority single-use plastics, tripling the proportion of plastic recycled by 2030 and reducing plastic litter by a quarter. However, the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) CEO, Gayle Sloan said that the NSW Plastics Plan and 20 Year Waste Strategy were encouraging and would assist with getting the industry back on track in the state. “Australia absolutely needs to transition away from the current take, make and dispose approach and recognise that valuable natural resources must be designed and used in such a way to manage out waste, and ensure the ability to reuse, repair and recycle. Unless this transition occurs, industry agrees with the government’s sentiment that we will never be able to achieve the targets set, or sadly, create the

environment in which we want to live in,” Sloan said. “Plastics remain at the forefront of the community’s mind and it is encouraging that NSW is looking to align with other jurisdictions to design out unnecessary single–use items. It also appears that NSW is prepared to go further, with mandated recycled content of 30 per cent by 2025 and emphasis on designing out waste and making producers take greater responsibility for collecting and recycling in NSW, including the possible use of more extended producer responsibility schemes. These are all positive policies that may result in less reliance on councils and householders to meet the costs of these schemes,” she added. Waste Contractors & Recyclers Association of NSW (WCRA) executive director Tony Khoury told InsideWaste that the NSW waste and recycling industry was currently facing many challenges, including increased regulations leading to complexity and higher compliance costs, increasing insurance premiums, tightening endproduct specifications, with decreasing

end markets, loss of kerbside materials to CDS, decreasing revenues for commodities and compliance costs for C&D recycled products. He added that there was also no agreed procedure for dealing with a small piece of asbestos in C&D recycling and that fires, fatalities and accidents had led to the formation of a WCRA WHS Group. Khoury was clear in describing these detailed requisites that the industry needed from its regulators: • a level commercial playing field; • regulations that provide certainty • consultation and acknowledgment of the content of discussions; • a regulatory environment that allows waste and recyclables to be managed in a safe, sustainable and environmentally sound manner • regulations, laws and proper practices to be enforced by all bodies; • funding. “It is our hope that the muchanticipated NSW Government’s 20-year waste strategy addresses these key issues,” he said. iw

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Victoria recycles first on major transport projects RECYCLED FIRST, a new initiative from the Victorian Government will use recycled and reused materials in construction projects. Transport Infrastructure Minister, Jacinta Allan explained that Recycled First would bring a uniform approach to the existing ad-hoc use of recycled products on major transport infrastructure projects. “Recycled First will boost the demand for reused materials right across our construction sector – driving innovation in sustainable materials and changing the way we think about waste products,” she said. The program will incorporate recycled and reused materials that meet existing standards for road and rail projects – with recycled aggregates, glass, plastic, timber, steel, ballast, crushed concrete, crushed brick, crumb rubber, reclaimed asphalt pavement and organics taking precedence over brand new materials. “Companies interested in delivering major transport infrastructure projects will be required to demonstrate how they will prioritise recycled and reused

materials, while maintaining compliance and quality standards,” Allan added. Additionally, contractors will need to report on the types and volumes of recycled products used.

No mandatory requirements The policy will not set mandatory minimum requirements or targets, instead, a project-by-project approach will allow contractors to liaise with recycled materials suppliers to determine if there are adequate supplies of the necessary products for their project. “Work is already underway with current construction partners to ensure more recycled content is being used on major projects, in addition to the new Recycled First requirements,” she explained. “The M80 Ring Road, Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Highway upgrades will use more than 20,000 tonnes of recycled materials, and 190 million glass bottles will be used in surfaces on the $1.8 billion Western Roads Upgrade.” Recycled demolition material was

also used to build extra lanes along 24 kilometres of the Tullamarine Freeway, as well as the Monash Freeway and M80 Ring Road. “The state government is also reusing materials created by its own projects, with 14,000 tonnes of soil excavated from the Metro Tunnel site in Parkville now being used in pavement layers on roads in Point Cook,” she said. “This material weighs as much as 226 E-class Melbourne trams and would otherwise have gone to landfill.”

Accelerator for circular economy Alex Fraser managing director, Peter Murphy described the program as an accelerator for Victoria’s circular economy. “To have the state government strongly encourage the use of recycled content in these projects demonstrates very powerful support for resource recovery,” Murphy said. “We know that a strong market for recycled materials supports resource recovery, which diverts more material away from landfill and

The program will incorporate recycled and reused materials that meet existing standards for road and rail projects

reduces stockpiling. It also preserves valuable natural resources which are increasingly difficult to access and costly to transport.” Murphy added that Recycled First provides clarity for decision makers on Victoria’s Big Build, which includes more than 100 major road and rail projects. “Many Big Build projects are located close to Melbourne, making recycled material from metropolitan areas the ideal supply choice. The use of locally sourced recycled content substantially reduces heavy vehicle use, which reduces congestion and carbon emissions.” iw

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Pact, Cleanaway and Asahi developing a plastic pelletising facility PACT GROUP, Cleanaway Waste Management and Asahi Beverages plan to develop a plastic pelletising facility in a collaborative effort to contribute to a circular economy. Announced in February, the companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a local plastic pelletising facility located in Albury/Wodonga. The aim is to be able to process up to 28,000 tonnes of plastic bottles and other recyclables into flake and food grade pellets, which will be used as a raw material for the production of packaging for food and beverages. Cleanaway will provide available feedstock through its collection and sorting network. Pact will provide technical and packaging expertise; and Asahi Beverages and Pact will buy the majority of the recycled pellets from the facility to use in their packaging products. Cleanaway’s CEO and managing

Pact, Cleanaway and Asahi plan to build a plastic pelletising facility.

director Vik Bansal said the partnership will create valuable raw materials from the recyclables to help make a sustainable future possible. “It is a natural extension of our value chain and expands our footprint of prized assets,” Bansal said. Pact managing director and CEO Sanjay Dayal said the collaboration is making a meaningful step in

improving the plastics value chain. “The arrangement is clearly aligned with our vision to lead the circular economy and will support Pact in achieving our 2025 Sustainability Promise to offer 30 per cent recycled content across our packaging portfolio,” Dayal said. Asahi Beverage CEO Robert Iervasi said the venture will allow Asahi

to use Australian sourced recycled plastic resins to assist in meeting its sustainability commitment to transition our portfolio to recycled plastics. The facility, anticipated to be operational by December 2021, would service markets across the East Coast and create about 30 local jobs in regional Australia. iw

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Central Coast recycler challenges NSW EPA fine THE NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued a $15,000 fine to PAR Recycling Services P/L (PAR) based on the Central Coast. The EPA alleged the business failed to follow orders to store chemicals safely to prevent potential pollution reaching local waterways. However, PAR told Inside Waste that it disputed the fine and has requested an internal review of the Penalty Infringement Notice under the Fines Act 1996, which is now being conducted by the NSW EPA. A representative of IQ RENEW/PAR explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;PAR respects the EPA and its commitment to the legislation, and PAR did its best to comply. He added that IQ Renew/PAR is also a business which is moving from cost-based model to a focus on value-based investment. According to the EPA, the company had been directed to take immediate action to appropriately store drums, bags and containers holding 18 different chemicals on November 14, 2019. Following an inspection,

An internal review of the Penalty Infringement Notice is being conducted by the NSW EPA.

the EPA said it had found 15,265 litres of liquid chemicals and 6,550 kilograms of solid chemicals stored in an area that did not have a bund or spill containment system. The EPA added in a statement that officers also discovered PAR Recycling did not have spill kits

nearby to contain the chemicals in the event of a spill. PAR disputes this statement, claiming spill kits were in place nearby the bunds that were constructed to store the chemicals. The chemicals were removed from the premises on January 10, 2020.

EPA director Regulatory Operations Metro North, Adam Gilligan explained that the impact of not installing environmental and pollution controls could include wide-ranging harm on the surrounding water, land, air and human health. iw

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Packaging Future report details collaborative vision OUR PACKAGING FUTURE, the new strategic framework outlining how Australia will deliver the 2025 National Packaging Targets was unveiled recently during an industry webinar. The report was launched by assistant minister for Waste Reduction and Environment Management, Trevor Evans, and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and featured discussion from Evans, Dr Helen Lewis and APCO CEO Brooke Donnelly. Our Packaging Future combines data and insights from more than 200 authors and contributors, to identify the current critical challenges contributing to this gap. It then maps the strategies required to move away from our current take, make and waste approach to managing packaging. The strategies address issues of packaging design, improved collection and recycling systems and expanded markets for used packaging, and provides a systemic, whole of environment approach to building Australia’s sustainable packaging future. Key recommendations and

approaches addressed in the plan include: • A change to the 2025 National Packaging Target for recycled content levels in packaging. The Target for the average recycled content in all packaging will increase from the current 30 per cent. • The launch of a National Consumer Education Campaign for sustainable packaging in 2020. • APCO to convene a CDS National Working Group as a collaborative forum aiming to facilitate consistency and alignment of future closed-loop schemes. • APCO to explore and facilitate waste collection partnerships in regional and remote areas including potential collaboration with other product stewardship schemes where kerbside collection is not feasible. • Voluntary code of practice for shopping bags with key stakeholders. • New reuse models for both consumer and B2B packaging. • For compostable packaging, develop a national strategy with industry and

government partners. • E xplore extending the Australasian Recycling Label to include B2B packaging and recycled content. • Develop a traceability and verification program for recycled content in packaging and products. According to Evans, “Governments around Australia are relying on APCO and its members to bring about a more sustainable approach to packaging. This report shows that about half of all packaging in Australia is not currently being recovered, and that is the gap we need to bridge to achieve the National Packaging Targets by 2025”. Brooke Donnelly, CEO, APCO added, “Our planet has finite resources to meet our ever-increasing consumption. Business as usual is simply not going to sustain our communities into the future. We will not accept a future defined by waste stockpiles, inefficient waste recovery economies, self-interest and fragmented regulation and policy approaches.” Donnelly said that the vision for this report is clear. It will build a packaging

value chain that collaborates to keep packaging materials out of landfill and maximise the circular value of the materials, energy and labour within the local economy. “It has taken over two years, however we now have a clear vision for a whole of system approach to delivering the 2025 Targets,” she said. Leaders from across the packaging value chain, including major brands, retailers and business associations, the waste and recycling industry, and the environmental community have responded positively to the report. “By mapping the challenges faced by all impacted waste streams, the collective impact framework of the report focuses industry and government on the strategies that will drive the critical growth and sustainable end markets that are necessary to drive the system forward and achieve the waste reduction and recycling outcomes the Australian public expects,” SUEZ Australia and New Zealand chief customer officer, Justin Frank said. iw

KESAB reshapes as CEO retires SOUTH AUSTRALIA will farewell a waste industry and environmental champion when KESAB environmental solutions CEO, John Phillips retires in July after 31 years’ service. KESAB chair, Ros DeGaris told Inside Waste that the future CEO would continue to grow KESAB’s role as SA’s leading non-government environmental sustainability educator. She described John’s service to KESAB as exceptional and personal, that brought about massive growth to the organisation in capacity and value to the state and the nation. “The work ethic of John Phillips has been truly outstanding across three decades of change and challenge that has enabled KESAB to be flexible, proactive and creative in delivering education programs to reach a wider community here and overseas,” she said. Ros DeGaris said it was imperative that a highly suitable, proactive and well-connected successor is secured. The total remuneration package will be dependent upon the skills, knowledge and experience of the preferred applicant who will start sometime in June. Speaking last year on the challenges ahead, Phillips said that KESAB believed that environmental sustainability action 14

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in response to all that is happening around us will require a hybrid mix of measures. “These include measurable community behavioural change, continuing to build community resilience and capacity, sometimes with yet to be tried and tested strategies and actions, the likelihood of increased regulation and legislation to strengthen objectives meeting required outcomes and most importantly, a more urgent approach.” “Outcomes achieved in the past year demonstrate that environmental sustainability education and engagement are increasingly becoming embedded in our everyday lifestyle, recreational and workplace action and behaviour. “Such education is fundamental as the world around us transforms and embraces the circular economy”. Meanwhile, DeGaris said the future CEO would continue to grow KESAB’s role as SA’s leading non-government environmental sustainability educator. “KESAB’s initiatives will focus on capacity building, professional development and training, underpinned by research and waste auditing which in turn, provide a platform to identify new opportunities to target problematic waste streams,” DeGaris said. iw Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

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The primary aim of Loop is to turn the concept of waste from a negative to a positive one in the minds of consumers.

Loop to arrive in Australia mid-2021 THE LOOP service developed by the recycling company TerraCycle will launch online in Woolworths in Sydney in June, 2021. The concept, currently operating in the US and France was presented to recycling and reuse stakeholders in Sydney last week by TerraCycle CEO, Tom Szaky. Szarky told Inside Waste that he had been talking with a range of Australian local and city councils as well state and federal government prior to the 2021 launch. He said that the response has been positive and revealed that he has already received $250,000 funding over two years from Tokyo City to launch a similar scheme. As the Loop service in Australia will originally be launched online, customers will pay a fee for the use of the returnable containers. They then place online shopping orders, as with any other ecommerce grocery service. The difference comes when their shopping is delivered. It arrives in a large, insulated box with individual products supplied in reusable containers. The box is used to store the empty containers, which are collected by Loop to be washed and used again; there are no wrappers or boxes and no single-use plastics. Szaky explained that any recoverable content within used packaging will be reused or recycled using Loop. It expects the system will also enable people to use and buy products in brand-specific, customised packaging that can then be reused and refilled after it is collected and cleaned. Turning a negative to a positive According to Szaky, the primary aim of Loop is to turn the concept of waste from a negative to a positive one in the minds of consumers. This also being achieved with an extension of the initial Loop model to those products that can packaged in aesthetic and durable containers and then refilled repeatedly after Loop collects the empties and ships them new when done. As part of the new service, empty packaging will be collected from

households for recycling or refilling purpose. According to Szaky, the reliance on single-use plastics in homes will then be reduced with its circular economy system. Loop will also extend its operations with a UK launch in March this year. Using the term “wisdom from the past” Szaky explained that the model echoes the heyday of the milkman – the daily doorstep delivery of milk and other perishables. According to Szarky, any recoverable content in used packaging will be reused or recycled using Loop. He said he expected the system to allow people to use and buy products in brandspecific, customised packaging that can then be reused and refilled after it is collected and cleaned. “Loop will significantly improve the convenience of shopping and also enhance the product experience. These will be the added benefits besides the elimination of the idea of packaging waste. “Consumers can now consume products responsibly in fully recyclable, reusable or specially-designed durable packaging made from engineered plastics, glass, alloys, and other materials through Loop. “After a consumer returns the packaging, the content is recycled or reused using ground-breaking technology or even refilled,” he said. Inside Waste had previously reported that TerraCycle had struck partnerships with Colgate, Mars and Walkers in 2018. Innovation investments from these founding partners are said to have made the new Loop initiative possible. The partners offered a zero-waste option, which was convenient, as well as affordable for consumers, for some of the most recognisable products in the world as part of their drive. Now brands including PepsiCo, P&G, Nestle and Unilever are onboard and other Loop partners include Carrefour, SUEZ and Tesco which will pilot the system later this year in the UK. iw

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News //

Former SKM facilities in Victoria reopened by Cleanaway CLEANAWAY HAS reopened several waste processing facilities in Victoria after they were closed under the ownership of SKM Recycling. The closure of the facilities in Victoria in July 2019, resulted in dozens of councils having no option but to send recyclable material to landfill. SKM Recycling was initially issued notices by the Victorian EPA as it was not complying with requirements set under the Victorian Waste Management Policy. In July, the company stopped receiving recyclables from 33 councils. It was then placed into receivership in August after it was announced the company owed $100m, with $60m of that owed to Cleanaway Waste Management. In October, Cleanaway acquired five of the sites, including three MRFs and a transfer station in Victoria; and an MRF in Tasmania. In a statement in late January, Cleanaway announced that it had cleared waste stockpiles and rehabilitated waste processing facilities

in Victoria – restoring recycling services to the state. Facilities in Coolaroo, Hallam, Geelong and the Laverton North MRF are now fully operational. Cleanaway CEO and managing director Vik Bansal said it was not acceptable that after years of conscientiously sorting their recyclables, Victorians were told that their recycling must be put on hold for an extended period. “Our teams worked tirelessly to bring these facilities back to the required environmental and operational standards in an extremely short period of time without compromise to safety or quality. “We are working closely with our council customers to restore the trust in recycling, while we continue to optimise our operations to support a sustainable recycling business.” Bansal said. The sites were overworked and lacking in maintenance for a significant period, requiring weeks of operational and logistical clean-up efforts, Cleanaway reported.

Stockpiled waste was removed from sites, machinery and conveyor belts were replaced, and optical sorting systems were recalibrated. Moving forward, one of the issues Cleanaway has identified is contamination within recycling streams, which can affect the quality of materials received at the facilities and damage machinery. About 20-23 per cent of nonrecyclable material is received at Cleanaway’s MRFs from commingled recycling collections. It’s estimated that an additional 10 per cent of recyclable material is lost due to contamination in processing. Research conducted by Sustainability Victoria suggested that in 2016–17, contamination levels in the state averaged 6.5 per cent – up from 5.6 per cent in 2015–16. The kerbside contamination rate for 2017–18 increased by 3.9 per cent, but Sustainability Victoria put this down to a change in the method used for calculation. This brought the contamination rate up to 10.4 per cent.

A Victorian Local Government Annual Waste Services Report 2017–18 report released by Sustainability Victoria in 2019, stated that the increase was the result of an improved calculation method in 2017–18, rather than a change in Victorians’ recycling behaviour. But, Victorians recycling habits do play a role in the contamination rates as people are placing items in the wrong bins. Bansal said that moving forward, Cleanaway is working with residents and council customers to minimise contamination and improve the quality of recyclables collected. “To further incentivise recycling, our new contract with Geelong Region Alliance includes a discount for councils with low levels of contamination and a commitment to work with councils to find viable local solutions for recyclables,” Bansal explained. Cleanaway will be supporting councils with a range of educational material to help manage any uncertainty over bin inclusions including flyers, videos and social media. iw

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// News

Sussan Ley drives waste transformation at the highest levels around the ‘throwaway’ concept of plastic. “We can’t stop the import of plastic packaging, that won’t change in the short term. But the two points I want to make are first, that plastic can be recycled and second, that it can go into a new product, such a picture frame, which doesn’t need to be imported. “Through this process we generate manufacturing in Australia, creating jobs,” she added. Ley had also made her position clear on the days following the COAG meeting when she said, “This is about waking up to an issue that has been buried in landfill for too long. “Most importantly, it is about Australia saying it is our waste and our responsibility and it is about industry and government being prepared to invest in change,” she added. “The shift to new thinking around plastic lies in seeing it as a resource. In the future we could possibly see us digging up old landfill of plastic to reclaim it and reuse,” she told Inside Waste.

Waste is one of the few areas where micro-economics can really make an impact, according to Ley.

(Continued from right front page story) “I WOULD LOVE to run another Plastics Summit in 2021 particularly in light of the recent COAG Response Strategy. There are also a lot of investment decisions to be made in the next twelve months and the new processing plant in Albury will be up and running by then. “This means that so many of the conversations would be on a different level to those we had this year,” she said. “Anything that the federation can do to speed up the processes we are happy to do.”

COVID-19 impacts Ley explained that there was funding allocated by the federal government to execute plans that were announced at COAG and that some of this was scheduled to be announced in the May budget later this year, however the budget has been moved to October due to the COVID-19 outbreak. “Given the significant parliamentary changes as part of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response, we are currently consulting with industry on legislating for waste glass so we are ready for when parliament next sits” Ley explained. A natural question for the industry at this time, is the surety around the funding already allocated prior to the COVID-19 crisis. Ley’s office told Inside Waste,

“…this money had already been allocated, which suggests it wouldn’t be impacted by the government’s financial response to COVID-19.” During the interview, Ley added a qualification when she advised, “The government has made a commitment to funding but we do actually need to see what projects are in place, such as new processing plants.”

Significant bans Ley described the ban on the export of plastic, paper, tyres and glass waste between July 2020 and December 2024 as a significant step. “As this has been signed off by COAG, it gives the industry added confidence that we are serious about taking action. “The industry now has a timeline with the bans that they can work with, however the critical dates are those related to the cleaning streams of plastics. It is clear that we are now in a national mindset where we need to take waste collection seriously,” she said. An issue which has concerned many within the industry has been the apparent paradox where Australia imports high levels of plastic within packaging which complicates recycling outcomes. Ley was pragmatic when she said that the government didn’t have any plans to stop the import of plastic. Instead she pointed to a need for Australians to change their minds

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Permitting Scheme It’s no secret that Australia had been considered slow to move forward on a national strategic waste plan, so the progressive COAG statement has resounded globally, according to Ley, signalling that we are prepared to take action. Once bans are proposed, the method of enforcing them then comes into play. Some industry leaders have told Inside Waste that they are concerned that enforcement of these bans would be problematic.

Minister for Environment, Sussan Ley.

However, Ley reassured the resource recovery industry that the export bans would be enforced at the border via a Permitting Scheme that would be operational as soon as was practical considering current restrictions. “It has been quite visionary of this government to move ahead with a strong agenda of change with an issue which has traditionally been seen as a problem. “I find the subject of waste fascinating and admire the people who work in the facilities. It really is one of the few areas where micro-economics can really make an impact,” she said. Along with her support for the industry, Ley suggested that there could be a positive result of the impact that COVID-19 was having in keeping the population at home. “It’s possible that householders would become much more mindful of waste when they are confined in the one place for extensive period of time,” she added. iw

Australia is developing a mindset that takes waste collection seriously.

APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

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WMRR CEO Statement //

Fromthe theCEO’s CEO’sdesk desk From THERE IS LITTLE that the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has not impacted and life as we know it has Environment Ministers will for the changed radically over the lastmeet few weeks. Thissecond is an time this year on December, following theasfirst unprecedented time7 for Australia and the world the 2018 of Environment Ministers (MEM) in virusMeeting takes us into uncharted waters; every day brings April, which was in part a response to the import forth new challenges, new learnings, and in time, new restrictions solutions. driven by China’s National Sword Policy effects this hasRecovery had across Theand Wastethe Management andpolicy Resource the Australian waste and resource recovery (WARR) Association of Australia (WMRR) has been trying to industry. Key decisions derived from the April stay on the front foot, largely by relying on you, MEM our include: essential industry, for updates on the situation that is unfolding on the ground. This information assists • Reducing waste endorsing a target WMRR in advocating to governments for what we generation, need to ensure service levels, to of 100% of Australian packaging being recyclable, work together through this challenging time, and safeguard a robust sector that will compostable or reusable 2025,can and developing exist well into the future. WMRR is acutely aware that ourbysector and will play a targets for recycled content in packaging. significant role in kickstarting the economy and local jobs once this time passes. • Increasing Australia’s recycling capacity. Following ongoing domestic conversations with members and governments, as well as from • Increasing the demand for recycled products. information gathered to date from our survey, WMRR wrote to federal and state/ • Exploring to advance waste-to-energy and territory opportunities environment ministers and treasurers, as well as to waste-to-biofuels. the federal Minister for • Updating the 2009 Strategy by year end, clarity whichand willdirection includearound circular Industry, Science andWaste Technology in March to provide economy principles. why and what an essential service, which our waste and resource recovery (WARR) industry provides, entails. It is WMRR’s view that only when we can define what It isan time to takeservice stock looks and examine what achieved since these decisions essential like will we be has ablebeen to convincingly seek the practical were announced. Now, seven (7) months may not seem like a long time, however elements of support required to ensure our services continue. in thatWMRR time called we have seen further markets close (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam) on all governments to declare WARR an essential service for the and if you are an operator continued stress, seven (7) months could purpose of emergencyunder or disaster that is financial being undertaken by states/territories make or breaktoyou. in relation COVID-19, noting our industry fully encompasses the collection, transportation, handling, recycling, recovery, remanufacture, and disposal of any Following the April wethe have had three (3) states in with varying waste material. ThisMEM, includes operation and support of allstep facilities, services, and degrees of financial assistance for industry (councils and operators). This should functions such as (though not limited to) transfer stations, landfills, incinerators, be expected considering almost all states Queensland andwaste Tasmania) have recycling depots, treatment plants, as well(except as compost, alternative treatment, access to significant waste levy income each year. On the eastern seaboard, Victoria and remanufacturing facilities. has approximately $600 million wasteassist levy reserves in the Sustainability Fund We called on governments to in urgently industry by: and• NSW raises more than $700 million per annum from the waste levy. There is Prioritising our access to PPE, cleaning products, and fuel; certainly no lackoperation of fundshours that can be reinvested intoofour essential industry. • Reviewing to ensure a relaxation collection periods and/or increases in opening hours of facilities and sites; Funding helps environmental but as we know, theland-use money planning, goes a much longerrequirements way with • Reviewing licensing, and reporting Government support and leadership, as well as appropriate policy levers. to enable access to facilities and extended operating hours, as well as an increase in stockpile limits and a relaxation of testing and other license requirements VICTORIA (without compromising environmental standards); Victoria has arguably been the most active supporting industry • Providing immediate financial release byand wayearnest of cash in injections, debtthe guarantees, post-China, with two relief packages announced to support the recycling waiver of levies and(2)taxes applicable to our industry; and industry, valued at a totalcommunication of $37 million.and Theapproaches Victorian about Government hasincluding also gone • Ensuring consistent all aspects aboveindustrial and beyond all others by announcing would take a leadership role conditions and states entitlements, treatmentitand management of industry. in creating market demand for recycled products. Ministers and Premiers are under significant pressure and credit must be given to them for their willingness to listen and understand what our needs are and SOUTH AUSTRALIA how to fulfil them so that together, we can continue to protect both human and Government announced a $12.4 package comprising $2 million of environmental health, which aremillion all the support more important today. It is heartening additional expenditure, $5 million additional funding for a loan scheme, together with targeted funding from the Green Industries SA budget. The Government has also offered grants for recycling infrastructure. NEW SOUTH WALES At first glance, New South Wales’ eye-watering $47 million recycling support package was heralded as the spark of hope industry needed. However, on closer inspection, the bulk of this package that was funded via the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative and therefore the waste levy, was not new, making it very difficult for stakeholders, including local government, to utilise the funds as they were already committed to other activities. Some of the criteria proposed by the NSW EPA also made it challenging for industry to apply to these grants. On the plus side, efforts are being made by the NSW Government to stimulate demand for recycled content through the intergovernmental agency working groups that have been established, though no tangible increase in demand or facilities have developed… Yet.

that jurisdictions are engaging readily with our industry and demonstrating real willingness to address issues as they arise. industry however the Queensland Government has embarked on the development Our national Biohazardous Waste Industry committee has also developed a of a waste strategy underpinned by a waste disposal levy to increase handling andmanagement disposal guideline for infected and potentially infected COVID-19 recycling and recovery andaged create jobs. The will to re-introduce waste in hospitals, health and carenew facilities, whichState was sent all health a $70/ tonne landfill levy in March 2019. There are also strong attempts to use policy ministers, and we hope it can be used as a base on which to build nationally levers (levy discounts and exemptions) to incentivise the use of recycled material consistent messaging for the general population, some of whom may have isolation and make it cost competitive with virgin material. However, little has been done to and quarantine orders, and many of whom will be working from home indefinitely. establish new markets and Government has not taken the lead in the procurement While we cannot completely eliminate the risks associated with the collection and of recycled material. There are grants recovery operations handling of infected or potentially infectedavailable materials,forweresource can manage these risks in being Queensland although no monies have been allocated to assist in 2018. by armed with nationally consistent information – the recommendation is This is as Queensland rolled itsplace Container Refund Scheme totroubling double bag and tie materials andout then this bag only in the redon bin1–November, to whichthe willhealth likelyand impact the revenueare models of the State’s MRFs can – as we ensure safety of cost WARRand employees a top priority, and services have seen most recently in NSW. continue in a safe and efficient manner. These are the strategies and responses to the “now” and we recognise that WESTERN business as AUSTRALIA usual is unrealistic. However, we must ensure that as much as possible, The Western Australian setdevelopment up a Waste Taskforce in direct we do not stagnate on theGovernment strategic policy and progress of ourresponse to the China National Sword. As part of this announcement, the State Government industry, and importantly, the development of a sustainable circular economy our urged all local councils to we begin utilisation of a three (3)-bin system - red for communities expect and one havethe been working towards. general waste, yellow for recyclables and green for organic wastefor - over coming Thus, WMRR has also urged ministers to fast-track capital funding the the planning years to reduce contamination. While this taskforce is a step in the right direction, and approval of WARR as well as remanufacturing infrastructure we know are required are yetthe to see any tangible from it or any industry. In October, toweaddress COAG waste exportresults ban and beyond, to funding adopt andfor continue working the WA Waste Authority released its draft Waste Strategy to 2030, which comprises on action plans of various WARR and circular economy strategies, and to continue a comprehensive and detailed roadmap towards the State’s shared building the WARR network, end markets, and government procurement policiesvision that of becoming a sustainable, low-waste, circular economy. will take us to the national diversion target of 80 per cent by 2030. While it may be difficult to see beyond the current challenges, continuing to COMMONWEALTH build on these positive strategies and policies will protect the investments and Following the MEMininindustry April, Australia now hasto a new Environment developments made while continuing giveFederal all stakeholders the Minister, Melissa Price, who in October reiterated to media MEM’s commitment to explore confidence to build the capacity required to meet our national WARR targets and waste to energy as part of the solution to the impacts of China’s National fulfil our obligations as part of the COAG waste bans. Deferment does not mean Sword, which is troubling is not a solution recycling). The communities Commonwealth has stagnation; all of us –(EfW governments, industries,tothe supply chain, – also backed the Australian Recycling Label and endorsed the National Packaging must take this time and opportunity to build a solid foundation on which we can Targets developed by in theturn Australian Covenant grow our industry, which will play Packaging a vital role in rebuildingOrganisation the economy,(APCO), as which has to date, failed to incorporate industry feedback in themuchdevelopment our Prime Minister Scott Morrison says, “on the other side”, and provide of these To hundreds the Commonwealth’s thereofhas been jobs significant needed jobstargets. as we know of thousands, ifcredit, not upwards a million, coordination in this reviewing the National Waste Policy, with the Department of will be lost during pandemic. Environment bringing together industry players and States during the review Now is the time to consider and build the future we want, and WMRR will continue process. to provide updates, information, and network opportunities over the coming weeks. It is thus vital that we remain connected, work together, and share knowledge to The updated Policyour will now goand before Environment on 7out December. sustain and support industry its people. We haveMinisters already rolled a series The Commonwealth can play a key role – one that goes beyond the development of industry meetings for members to ensure our critical work continues, and we of the National is supportive the Federal maximising urge you toWaste assistPolicy. in our WMAA knowledge building byoffilling out thisGovernment survey (https:// the levers it has, including taxation and importation powers,challenges, to maintain bit.ly/33T8kbi) to keep us updated on your operational changes, anda strong, sustainable and resource recovery solutions. Overwaste the coming weeks, we will alsoindustry. be announcing a program of webinars to keep up our knowledge base and connectivity. We are all in this together; we can, AHEAD OF find MEMpathways 2 and we will, into the future. There may be movement across Australia, with some states doing better than others, but thechief consensus is, progress is still taking way too long. It is evident that Gayle Sloan, executive officer, WMRR there are funds available in almost all States to assist with developing secondary manufacturing infrastructure, however the only way that this will really happen is if there is government leadership around mandating recycled content in Australia now, not later. Voluntary schemes like the Used Packaging NEPM, under which APCO is auspiced, are not working. We have 1.6million tonnes of packaging waste in Australia, which needs to be used as an input back into packaging. Barriers to using recycled content in civil infrastructure must be identified and removed, and Government must lead in this field and prefer and purchase recycled material. A tax on virgin material should also be imposed as it is overseas. MEM must show strong leadership on this issue. Ministers have, since April, dealt directly with operators and councils that are under stress and we have a chance to create jobs and investment in Australia at a time when manufacturing is declining. Ministers have the opportunity to be leaders of today, not procrastinators – leaders of tomorrow and we are urging them to act and not just talk in December.

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WMRR.ASN.AU QUEENSLAND Gayle Sloan Unlike its neighbours, Queensland did not provide any financial support to Chief Executive Officer 18

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Waste Response Strategy //

A call for general transformation By Claire Moffat (Continued from front page, main story) Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley described the strategy as representing a “historic change” for the environment and the recycling industry. She said that the ban signalled a generational transformation of the recycling industry that could create $1.5billion in economic activity over the next 20 years and more than 2000 jobs. According to Ley, the ban was the result of months of consultation with industry, state and local governments, leading to a fundamental change that now recognises waste as resource instead of a problem. However, the strategy was also clear regarding the challenges facing the waste industry, governments and the community in pivoting to a new paradigm. It detailed initial steps in mapping out what all jurisdictions must do to tackle these challenges: • A ddress waste origins and generation There are opportunities for industry and governments to contribute to changing the materials used

in everyday products, in order to reduce the total volume of lowvalue or hard to recycle material in the waste stream. Where possible, the best outcome is for waste to be managed, processed and returned to productive economic use close to its point of generation. • Kerbside waste collection This is a significant issue which impacts the sustainability of collection systems, the value of recycled materials, and the ability for materials to go to their highest value use. A particular concern is that, despite strong community interest and willingness to support strong recycling outcomes, consumer awareness of the “right” way to recycle is limited. There remains no consistent approach to labelling to assist the community to determine whether a product is recyclable in Australia. Additionally, it said that households face mixed messages about what materials can be recycled, as requirements are often local government specific, based on what materials recovery facility receives the recycling.

• D rive domestic demand for recycled products Increased demand for recyclable materials as inputs for processing, and for products manufactured from these materials, is needed to make new recycling capacity cost effective. Consistent quality and performance standards and specifications can assist in driving industry and household confidence in the use of recycled content and the value of recycled products. • U nderstand resource volumes, value and movement Governments have been working collaboratively for several years to improve the availability, consistency and specificity of waste data collection and information, including through the National Waste Report and National Waste Account. The movement of waste through metropolitan and regional areas and states and territories and reporting on imports and exports have been identified as a data gap by all Australian governments. • I nvest in new technologies and infrastructure Market research to assess national infrastructure capacity has identified

significant processing gaps for some materials and new capacity coming online for others. There is a substantial capacity gap in Western Australia, particularly for paper processing. For high value plastics such as HDPE and PET, there has been investment in new facilities in the past two years and some of these facilities appear to have spare capacity. The need to fill existing processing gaps should guide investment decisions in all jurisdictions. Another significant challenge raised in industry consultation is the ability for businesses to secure investment for facilities and equipment upgrades, and to develop and test new technologies for creating value-added products from waste. • C oordinate regional recycling capacity Cross-jurisdictional actions are needed to address the particular waste and recycling challenges associated with remote and regional areas, such as Northern Australia. The transport costs involved in moving waste long distances from its source to processing facilities

The government has been working to improve waste collection and recycling for many years.

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// Waste Response Strategy

can significantly increase the total cost of recycling. Dispersed populations can also reduce the cost-effectiveness of collection services. rive international cooperation • D Marine plastic pollution was signalled as an issue which goes beyond national borders. Coordination and alignment across the Indo-Pacific region is needed to prevent products like singleuse plastic bags from entering the marine environment, and to manage marine plastic debris. • S treamline approval processes and requirements For investment in waste and recycling infrastructure to occur in response to material supply generated from the export ban, state, territory and local government approval processes need to be timely, transparent and fit-for-purpose. Industry has raised the length of time for approval processes as a barrier to investing in major infrastructure projects. Planning approval, community consultation, financing and building takes time. It can take several years to meet requirements and construct a new recycling facility. This can represent a significant cost for business, particularly small businesses. • Consider waste levy settings Waste levies are currently collected in five states (NSW, Victoria, Qld, SA and WA) and aim to reduce the amount of waste being landfilled and promote recycling and resource recovery. States and territories invest a share of this funding in programs and initiatives to support enhanced waste and resource recovery outcomes. Industry, however, has called for a greater proportion of waste levy revenue to be committed to these programs and initiatives. The Strategy was received positively by industry leaders, with the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) stating that it showed a deeper level of understanding and recognition of what is needed to build a sustainable waste and resource recovery industry in Australia. “We are encouraged to see that governments are in it for the long haul,” said WMRR CEO, Gayle Sloan. “We acknowledge that government at all levels are hearing stakeholders – industry and community alike – and committing to the growth

The National Waste Strategy has been received positively by industry leaders.

and development of a sustainable waste and resource recovery system in Australia. “It is evident that the Commonwealth government is prepared to remain at the table and work with all other Australian governments, in order that we can future proof and resource our essential industry as we respond to the waste export bans, and achieve the waste reduction and recycling outcomes that the Australian community rightly expects. “The strategy not only acknowledges that waste plastic is a significant and complex issue, both in Australia and globally, it also takes positive initial steps in mapping out what all jurisdictions must do to tackle this challenge, from harmonising policies and programs to phase out single-use and hard to recycle plastics, to the Commonwealth supporting industry to invest in new plastics processing capacity through competitive grant funding, and commercial and

concessional loans. These are all incredibly positive steps,” Sloan said.

Infrastructure fast track However, Sloan was clear that infrastructure needed to be fasttracked because there is only two years until the roll-out of the plastics ban. This, and the significant volume

of waste plastic that needs to be managed, means that Australia needs to start building processing facilities now in order to be up and running ahead of 2022. “Everyone knows that plastics is a global problem and industry, along with the community wants to, and stands ready to fix this, so we are encouraged that governments are committed to tackling the challenge head-on with us.” “WMRR appreciates that the federal, state and territory governments are listening and that our essential waste and resource recovery sector remains firmly on the agenda. As we work through the strategy, the industry is committed to working closely with all levels of government to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the bans, and ultimately, to develop a strong remanufacturing and reprocessing sector in Australia, driving the country towards a more circular economy,” Sloan added. iw

ANZPAC Plastics Pact expands The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has led the development of the ANZPAC Plastic Pact, the latest to join the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact network. The Pact is scheduled to launch to the public in late 2020 and will work with businesses, governments and NGOs from across the plastics value chain in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island nations. Its aim is to develop a common vision of the circular economy for plastics. ANZPAC will provide the significant intervention required to meet Australia’s national plastic packaging target that 70 per cent of all plastic packaging will be recycled or composted by 2025.

Time-bound targets Aligned with the other initiatives of the Plastics Pact network, the ANZPAC Plastics Pact will work towards a set of ambitious, time-bound targets in these areas:

The ANZAC Plastics Pact is the latest to join the MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact network.

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APRIL/MAY 2020INSIDEWASTE

Waste Response Strategy //

• e limination of unnecessary and problematic single-use plastic packaging through redesign and innovation; • ensuring all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable; • increasing the reuse, collection, and recycling of plastic packaging; • increasing recycled content in plastic packaging. The exact targets will be released towards the end of 2020, and progress will be reported annually. The initiative was announced at the National Plastics Summit in February, where APCO was joined by representatives from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the UK’s Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), and the Australian Food and Grocery Council. Assistant Minister for waste reduction and environmental management, Trevor Evans, said that the government welcomed industry led approaches which were fundamental to bringing about better recycling outcomes. “We look forward to actions that will significantly increase recycled plastic content beyond current levels,” he said. According to APCO CEO, Brooke Donnelly, “Plastic is a global supply chain problem and that means to manage it effectively, Australia needs an international approach. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation’s Plastic Pact network is a proven, effective model being rolled out across the world, and I’m very pleased that APCO Members and key stakeholders will be leading the delivery of this program for our region.

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In 2020, APCO will be developing the program in close consultation with local industry representatives in all regions. Initiatives will include a series of plastics-focused projects, and the creation of the Circular Plastics Research Initiative, a new innovation hub that will bring together researchers, investors and industry to share knowledge and align efforts. Companies which have already shown strong engagement with the program include Woolworths, Australia Post, Unilever, Mars, Nestlé Oceania, Pact, CHEP, Amcor, Kmart Australia, Officeworks, Detmold Group, Veolia, SUEZ, Fonterra and Mondelēz International. The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and Planet Ark Environmental Foundation are also strongly supporting the program’s development. According to AFGC acting CEO Dr Geoffrey Annison, “The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) is collaborating to develop whole-of supply chain solutions so our sector can meet the National Packaging Targets to benefit the community and the environment. “We are proud to be supporting the development of the new ANZPAC program, alongside the ongoing work of APCO and the vital role the organisation is playing in developing a circular economy for packaging and increasing recycling rates across our region.” Officeworks, head of sustainable development, Ryan Swenson added, “Addressing the challenges relating to plastic packaging requires collaboration across all sectors, and the approach outlined by APCO provides the mechanism to facilitate the systems level change that is needed.” Ellen MacArthur Foundation, new plastics economy lead, Sander Defruyt said, “We look forward to working together with the governments and industry of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to drive real change towards a circular economy for plastic. By eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastic items, innovating to ensure that the plastics they do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable, and circulating the plastic items they use to keep them in the economy and out of the environment, we can create a world without plastic waste or pollution.” WRAP head of international resource management UK, David Rogers said, “WRAP is delighted to see APCO announce plans for an ANZPAC. The UK Plastics Pact has been very successful in transforming the plastics landscape in the UK. WRAP, who developed the UK Plastics Pact in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, have been involved in supporting a number of Plastics Pacts around the world as part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact network. This has the power to completely transform how we produce, use and dispose of plastics.”

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Resource recovery

Improving CDS step-by-step By Inside Waste SINCE OCTOBER 2003, distributors of single-use beverage containers have been required to charge purchasers a deposit of at least €0.25 per bottle in Germany. This has helped shape one of the most effective container deposit schemes (CDS) in the world. According to TOMRA, the German market outperforms the rest of the world in beverage container recycling results. Germany’s collection rate sat at 97 per cent of all plastic bottles returned in 2018, and 99 per cent for cans. Norway is also among countries achieving high results – with at least 97 per cent of cans returned and 95 per cent of PET plastic containers. TOMRA cites two main reasons that CDS programs succeed: financial incentive and increased purity. In countries such as Germany where consumers can get as much as €0.25 per bottle, consumers are taught that these products have a high value. In turn, this reduces litter and increases the stream of high-quality recyclable materials – thus, increasing purity. Various CDS programs across states and territories in Australia offer a 10-cent refund per container. And while this has proven to be an enticing incentive for consumers, who collectively return billions of containers per year, the ACT government is looking at greater incentives to increase the number of containers returned, rather than dumped. In late 2019, ACT’s Minister for Recycling and Waste Reduction Chris Steel flagged the possibility of an increase from 10 cents to 15 cents

ACT residents can have their collected containers picked-up through Re.Collect.

per container returned under the territory’s scheme. An ACT government spokeswoman told Inside Waste that raising the dollar amount that people can receive has the potential to significantly increase the number of containers returned through the scheme. But it’s not as easy as simple increase. “This would need to be done as a national approach, in conjunction with the other states and territories. Minister Steel will raise it at the next Meeting of Environment Ministers,” the spokeswoman said. ACT introduced its CDS, Exchange for Change, in mid-2018. The redemption rate in the first year of operation

Re.Collect helps people get money for their containers in a quick and easy manner.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

was 50.4 per cent. With more than 26 million containers returned and recycled through the scheme in the first year, there is room to grow this number. Along with a push by ACT’s recycling minister to drive participation up with an increase in profits for consumers, the government has also ramped up collection with a pick-up service. An app, Re.Collect, was introduced in late-2019 after successful trials in Kingston and Gordon. The app helps people, who for example are under time constraint or have limited transport means, to drop containers to a return point. The app was introduced in collaboration with Re.Group. “Initiatives such as the [Re. Collect] app are providing Canberra residents with even more convenient ways to return containers,” the ACT spokeswoman said. While a fee of four cents per container is charged to cover the cost of providing the service, it has proven to be a success with many who would otherwise not return containers. Re.Collect received 15,000 containers during the first week of operation from both community members and businesses. “We are really keen to get more businesses involved, for example: cafes, restaurants and bars. Making it easier for people to return containers is the most logical way of doing this. It’s also a great option for people who

are time poor or perhaps may not have access to a car to drop their containers off,” the ACT spokeswoman said. “By introducing more collection points (currently 21 across the territory), more methods of collection (face-to-face deposits, drop off points, reverse vending machines), and new technology like the phone app, we are making it easier and more convenient for people to deposit their containers.” Re.Group chief development officer Garth Lamb said that the app has been likened to “Uber for recyclables”. Re.Collect launched in ACT, but it is designed to enable a wider focus, Lamb said. “We are in discussion with various brand owners who are excited by the opportunity for a new way to get their products back so they can be responsibly recycled,” he said. “From a user’s perspective, it’s a very easy way to do the right thing. Once a pickup is booked in, they receive notifications as the driver approaches, and can easily keep track of where their materials are. In the case of eligible beverage containers, they get the added benefit of refunds transferred to their account once the containers are counted.” Virtual bottle drives can also be set up so that charities and community groups can benefit from the CDS program by receiving donations from member, without anyone leaving their home, Lamb noted. iw APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Packaging //

New Zealanders missing the mark on recycling By Inside Waste A REPORT ON New Zealander’s recycling habits has revealed that 39 per cent of household plastic bottles and containers are being sent to landfill, despite being fully recyclable. Australia’s neighbour is also manufacturing and selling an estimated 181 million containers that show no plastic identification code or recycling information. The report, The Truth about Plastic Recycling in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020, was released by WasteMINZ in early 2020 to help industry and government better understand plastic recycling habits in New Zealand. It has been labelled a “timely wake-up call” for a nation that needs to improve its processes by New Zealand’s Associate Minister for the Environment Eugenie Sage. In a statement, Sage said the report highlights the value of focusing on better product design so that products and their materials can be easily re-used or recycled. “It’s a timely wake-up call for designers, manufacturers, retailers and marketers to shift towards more Innocent Packaging opts for compostable products rather than recyclable materials.

INSIDEWASTE APRIL/MAY 2020

recyclable and re-useable packaging. There is a strong public demand for this,” she said. Findings from WasteMINZ audit of 867 New Zealand households indicated that 36 of the 188 single-use plastic bottles that the average New Zealand household disposes of each year, go straight to landfill rather than being recycled because they are put in the wrong bin. The majority of plastic bottles in New Zealand are made from highly recyclable plastics 1 and 2, which can be turned back into new plastic bottles or other plastic items. Similarly plastics 1 and 2 are the most common plastics used for grocery packaging in the country. But, only 62 per cent of plastic containers are plastic in recycling bins. The report also indicated that 46 million plastic containers in New Zealand are covered by plastic sleeves, which prevents them from being recycled correctly. Additionally, 258 million containers are made from coloured plastic, which prevents them from being recycled into likefor-like items. They could be used

WasteMINZ chief executive Janine Brinsdon said recycling items correctly is a joint responsibility.

to create bins or pallets, but this minismises their opportunity to be recycled again. While the WasteMINZ report highlights consumers’ recycling habits, WasteMINZ and Sage are pushing for product manufacturers to step up their packaging designs to make it easier for consumers to recycle correctly. WasteMINZ chief executive Janine Brinsdon said that minimising waste and recycling correctly is a joint responsibility. “Our research identified that labelling is a real issue – 181 million containers lacked any kind of recycling information. On many other plastic containers the recycling information was too small to read easily or hard to find.” Even if products are packaged in plastic that is readily recyclable, it needs to be easily identifiable to ensure consumers can place it in the correct waste bin, she said. “The public definitely has a role to play, but simultaneously both the waste industry and manufacturers need to ensure that we can help them do that. “Accurate recycling labelling is essential to educate consumers and also to make it harder for manufacturers to mislead consumers through greenwashing,”

Brinsdon said. She said that WasteMINZ is calling for mandatory recycling labelling, which would be possible under the New Zealand Waste Minimisation Act 2008. The minimum level of labelling required for sorting recycling is clearly visible plastic identification codes. Many businesses are now going further and implementing recycling labels such the Australasian Recycling Label, which enables householders to easily identify which type of plastic can go in their recycling bin and which in their refuse bin. “WasteMINZ is also calling for mandatory labelling for compostable packaging and work is being undertaken to explore what that could look like and what standard these products should be certified to.” Packaging manufacturer Caspak New Zealand stocks a full range of products that are recyclable, but national sales manager Steffan Pederson said it’s often up to Caspak’s customers to ensure recycling labelling is clear. Caspak’s ENVi range is recyclable via the Soft Plastic Recycling program as they are made from the polyolfin family with a micro barrier layer that ensures shelf life is maintained.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Packaging

Despite this packaging being recyclable, Pederson said that it is tough to determine how much of Caspak’s products can be recycled in New Zealand. “This is a difficult question to answer as most soft plastics can be recycled, but having access to this scheme and having food manufacturers using these products is what impacts how much can truly be recycled. “The main factors that hinder our offer of recyclable packaging is the technology available to manufacturers at the packing stage to construct the packaging without impacting the shelf life of the products. Without this consideration there would be a possibility of generating more food waste, which contributes significantly to climate change.” Pederson said that limited recycling infrastructure in New Zealand adds to the challenges. “The Soft Plastic Recycling collection points are in Hamilton and Auckland, so the scheme is not national. Many of the products that we make would be recycled in other countries, but aren’t in New Zealand.” Additionally, Pederson said that the onus falls on its customers to add recycling identification labelling. “As we manufacture soft plastics primarily as containers, it is the customers’ artwork on the packaging; and any recycling identification codes need to be incorporated into that artwork. Any containers we supply material for are supplied as rollstock so, again it is the customers’ tooling on the machines that would influences this.” New Zealand manufacturer Innocent Packaging produces certified compostable single use packaging for the takeaway food and beverage industry. Innocent Packaging operations and sustainability coordinator Madelynn Kite-Bell said that food packaging that is contaminated with food is not easily recyclable, which is one of the many reasons that the company designed its products to fit in with organics recycling streams or commercial composting. “So your cheese covered burger box can simply go in the compost bin with the rest of your food scraps and be completely ‘recycled’ back into carbon, nitrogen and organic matter.” Innocent Packaging has its own collection scheme called The Full Package and the company is planning more initiatives to ensure that its products have an end-of-life

Caspak’s Steffan Pederson said it’s often up to customers to ensure recycling labelling is clear.

solution. While Innocent Packaging has opted for compostable products for much of its range, these products also come with a set of challenges. “Similar to recycling, there is patchy infrastructure for dealing with organics in New Zealand, with some compost plants only accepting garden scraps, others food, as well and 11 sites accepting commercially compostable packaging,” KiteBell said. Furthermore, she explained that compostable packaging isn’t always a viable option. “The nature of compostable packaging is that it is designed to break down so it’s not as suitable for long term food storage, though technology is moving quickly.” Innocent Packaging also produces PLA products, which are number 7 plastics. “We’re big supporters of clear labelling and so 100 per cent of our plastics are all labelled with the correct triangle 7 and ‘PLA’. Our PLA lined products, which are certified commercially compostable, have this clearly written on them too. “We welcome the work being done to create standardised labelling across both recyclables and compostables,” Kite-Bell said. Due to a lack of infrastructure in New Zealand, a lot of the Innocent Packaging’s recycling efforts come from the company collecting the packaging from its customers

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

once it has been used. “We are not working directly with consumers and so for us it’s about educating our customers so that they can pass it on. “Our goal is that anyone who sees our logo on a container knows that they have a compostable product that can be processed in with their other organics.” While plastics 1,2 and 5 are the most viable and reusable plastics in the New Zealand market, WasteMINZ indicated that plastics 3,4,6 and 7 are not as useful. The WasteMINZ spokeswoman told Inside Waste that plastics 3,4 6 and 7 have such low tonnages

that it would be uneconomic to separate them out for recycling in New Zealand. “However, the tonnages for Plastic 5 are significant and economically viable for separating out. Plastics New Zealand set up a working group last year to investigate the onshore processing opportunities for Plastic 5 and three facilities have been found which can accept these plastics. “Already, several councils are looking at ending collections of plastics 3,4,6 and 7 in order to be able to collect and process plastic 5 on shore,” she said. Sage said that through the WasteMINZ report, the government is able to get a clearer picture of the extent of the challenge, which reiterates the urgent need for the New Zealand government to continue implementing initiatives to reduce waste. The government’s plans include introducing a container return scheme for drink bottles and cans; improving waste data; and introducing a regulated product stewardship schemes for tough waste issues such as e-waste, tyres and batteries. “The management of plastic is a global issue which needs government to set direction, provide leadership and put in place supporting regulations, incentives and investment. That is what we are doing,” Sage said. The report is part of a threeyear project supported by a $425,000 grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund. The project was led by WasteMINZ New Zealand in partnership with councils and fulfilled in late 2019 in several cities and regional towns across the country. iw

Innocent Packaging tries to make it easy for consumers to dispose of items correctly.

APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

National Plastics Summit //

PM pledges to change procurement rules By Inside Waste IN HIS OPENING remarks to delegates at the Plastics Summit in Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would make changes to government procurement rules to include recycled material. “New procurement guidelines mean all agencies would have to consider use of recycled content and sustainability as a factor in determining value for money,” he said. The Prime Minister’s Office has assured Inside Waste that this commitment will proceed despite the interruptions caused by COVID-19. They pointed to the declaration from Infrastructure Australia, the PM’s commitment at the Plastics Summit and the Transport and Infrastrucuture Council Communique in November as concrete steps towards change. “The Commonwealth stands ready to work with the states to co-invest in these critical infrastructure facilities and with industry,” he told delegates. Morrison went further and stated that the government is working with state and territory governments

to identify and unlock the critical upgrades that will lead to a stepchange in recycling capacity. “We will invest with governments and with industry on a one-to-one-toone basis.” Attending the Summit with around 200 waste industry leaders, Morrison heard a strong call for the creation of national collection specifications and standards to simplify the challenge that households and businesses face in managing their plastic waste. This issue was among several which emerged from a series of roundtable discussions led by industry experts. The first session Addressing plastics at its source was led by the Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Trevor Evans. It focused on ways to reduce the amount of plastic produced. Topics included single-use and problematic plastic, sustainable product design, product stewardship solutions, waste avoidance and increasing recycled content in plastic products. The suggestions from delegates included: • acknowledging the potential

of design; • i mproved consumer education to reduce confusion; • addressing the high demand for recyclate and the low supply. Session two discussed Plastics and our daily life and was led by Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton. It considered how we could better help households and communities manage their plastic needs and waste. Dialogue centred around restoring consumer confidence in recycling, education to reduce contamination in recycling material streams and kerbside collection interventions. The suggestions included: • scale really matters on several levels such as recycling plants and communications; • develop demand for recycled products and other outcomes will flow; • standardisation and national specifications will simplify processes. Session three titled The Plastics Revolution was led by Minister for Industry, Science & Technology, Karen

Scott Morrison, Australian Prime Minister.

Andrews and discussed opportunities to harness the latest technologies for recycling plastic types, plastic material standards, products design solutions and processing solutions. The suggestions included: • our systems problem needs a system solution and collaboration across the supply chain; • incentivisation is required to attract long term contracts if we don’t

Topics discussed at the summit included single-use and problematic plastic, sustainable product design, product stewardship solutions, waste avoidance and increasing recycled content in plastic products.

INSIDEWASTE APRIL/MAY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// National Plastics Summit

penalise operators (as they do in the UK); • needs for harmonisation across the collection process and local governments need to develop a mature mindset. The fourth session Plastics in the economy was led by Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley and discussed how we can better connect the different stages of the plastic value-chain. It considered ways we can improve how we collect, sort and process plastic, national standards for processed plastic, data needed to stimulate new markets and economic opportunities, and sustainable procurement by governments. The suggestions included: • a vision to mainstream resource recovery; • serious investigation into the important role of legislation to lift recycling rates; • new modes of collaboration and derisking required. The final session Plastics in our oceans and waterways was led by Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Warren Entsch and discuss ways to reduce plastic marine debris

Ways to reduce plastic marine debris and what needs to be done to reduce this impact on the environment was discussed at the Summit at great length.

and microplastics/beads entering our oceans and what needs to be done to reduce this impact on the environment. The suggestions included: • how education is key and the how everyone needs another contemporary campaign similar to Keep Australia Beautiful; • the banning of single-use plastics;

• m ake clothes that ensure that we aren’t shedding microfibres. Evans, who also received suggestions from school children attending the event, wrapped up the presentation at the end of the day. However, his comments were pragmatic. “Before markets are formed and we begin to take action, we have to look

NO DISTANCE TOO FAR,

carefully at the impacts on both supply chains and consumers,” he said. This was followed by Ley, who acknowledged the industry for the ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impacts of waste plastics and making fundamental changes to their business operations to help transition Australia to a circular economy. iw

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APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Safety //

Waste fires pose ongoing problem By Inside Waste WHILE THE nation’s attention has been focused on the extraordinary human, wildlife and geographical impact of the recent bushfire crisis, the effect on regional waste management facilities is still being played out. The Eurobodalla Shire located in the NSW South Coast region was an area intensely affected by the fires. As of February, the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Moruya transfer station was closed until further notice due to bushfire damage. The buy-back centre at the local Surf Beach waste management facility was also temporarily closed while fires were ravaging the state’s bushland. Eurobodalla Shire Council divisional manager for waste services Amanda Jones told Inside Waste that the council’s landfill was in the direct line of the fire that tore through the area during the New Year break. She explained that although no buildings or plants were lost, the impact was exacerbated because it severely damaged a new waste disposal cell that was due to

be operational this year. Jones said that the liner of the cell was damaged at an approximate cost of $300,000, however, the repair was finally completed in early. April. The council is drawing down on working capital to make the repairs. “While we had experienced previous smaller fires inside the landfill, this one was enormous,” Jones said. The council is also experiencing a high demand for new household bins along with constant phone enquiries from residents trying to dispose of both household and bushfire waste. Jones added that the Brou landfill site was also impacted by the proximity of the fires, which made it unsafe for residents to use it. As various councils in the shire, such as Bega Valley, Snowy Mountains and Shoalhaven assess the damage to their waste management plans from the fires, they continue to deal with the challenges posed by an overflow of unexpected waste where they may not necessarily be an immediate solution. It was with some relief that Jones

and her colleagues heard the news at the end of January that construction company Laing O’Rourke had been selected by the NSW government to undertake the first phase of recovery clean-up works following vastly damaging bushfires across the state. Laing O’Rourke Australia managing director Cathal O’Rourke explained that the company will work with local subcontractors and regional small businesses across NSW to ensure they are engaged in the delivery of the clean-up process. Jones confirmed that a series of meetings with Laing O’Rourke were already being conducted in the shire to manage both short-and long-term waste management issues as a result of the fires. “All the agencies have been helpful, particularly the EPA and Public Works,” Jones said. Meanwhile, the NSW government waived the waste levy fee for residents disposing of bushfire generated waste in areas across the state – similar to other state government’s response to the fires. Additionally, local governments

have been easing the pressure on residents. Wollondilly Council extended its free waste drop-off service at Bargo Waste Management Centre to residents in Balmoral and Wingecarribee in the first months of the year. WCRA executive director Tony Khoury was circumspect when asked how the waste management industry was impacted by the recent fires. “I would say that these unfortunate bushfires are unprecedented in their impact on the whole economy, including waste management facilities. “The lessons that the government and industry can take away from these events is the need to put in place better disaster recovery systems. This would enable NSW to be better placed to deal with these disasters in the future,” he said. Khoury encouraged both NSW and local governments to collaborate with the EPA to facilitate a disaster workshop. “Now that the bushfires are behind us, the government and industry can work together on these immediate issues along with those beyond the

Fires at landfill sites in Australia continue to cause issues.

INSIDEWASTE APRIL/MAY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Safety

recent emergency,” he said. While the bushfires have highlighted the vulnerability of some waste management facilities, it also comes at a time when the industry is being closely watched for its approach to fire safety standards and prevention. Fires are continuously breaking out at facilities across the country. In February, a fire occurred at a Bingo recycling and landfill facility at Eastern Creek. A statement from Bingo explained that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. The materials processing facility continued to operate as normal, and the landfill facility was operating at slightly reduced capacity in February. In late November 2019, a fire engulfed a Cleanaway MRF at South Guildford, Perth. The fire destroyed compacted bales of recycled material and disrupted recycling across 20 councils in Western Australia. A Cleanaway spokesman told Inside Waste that the root cause of the “catastrophic fire” is still

“The lessons that the government and industry can take away from these events is the need to put in place better disaster recovery systems. This would enable NSW to be better placed to deal with these disasters in the future.” being investigated. “Since the fire, Cleanaway has sought to utilise all additional recyclable processing capacity within the Perth market, including interim arrangements reached with Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC).” In mid-February, entered an agreement with the SMRC to enable recyclables collected from kerbside to be processed and not sent to landfill, the spokesman said. “Design works for a replacement MRF are already underway, in an effort to ensure Cleanaway can return Perth’s recyclables processing market capacity to pre-fire levels. The new facility is expected to be completed by December 2020.” The Cleanaway spokesman

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

highlighted batteries as an item that heightens the risk of fires in landfill. “Household batteries that power cameras, wristwatches, smoke alarms, portable games and other gadgets are so small they are considered by many Australians to be disposable items. Eighty per cent of the batteries used by Australians are single use batteries. Although recyclable, a staggering 97 per cent of them or 8,000 tonnes end up in landfill each year. “Batteries can be a health hazard if not handled safely as they contain toxic substances such as cadmium, mercury and lead. Due to their flammable, corrosive and toxic nature, batteries should not be disposed of in the general

waste,” he said. Waste fires can arise from batteries incorrectly disposed of across all stages of the waste management chain including waste collection, transport, transfer stations, recycling and disposal at landfill. “The source of combustible material also varies greatly and includes tyres, used oils, green waste, wood waste, solvents, batteries, municipal solid waste and so on. Fires therefore have the potential to cause significant harm to people and the environment through the release of hazardous chemicals to the atmosphere and contamination of ground water supplies,” the spokesman said. Used batteries can be dropped off at collection points that offer battery recycling. For reasons such as the volatility of batteries in landfill, consumers are encouraged to dispose of batteries correctly, which is one step to minimising the risk of fires in landfills. iw

APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Community engagement //

Connecting remote communities with CDS

Community members big and small are getting behind the CDS program.

By Inside Waste JOEY, A resident in Milingimbi, Northern Territory, has collected more than 20,000 containers through the territory’s container deposit scheme (CDS) with a push from the East Arnhem Regional Council driving greater engagement. On two occasions, Joey gathered 10,000 containers, which he could then cash in. He is one of many residents in the remote region of

the Northern Territory that has taken up the opportunity to cash-in on the scheme. Community groups’ interest in the CDS program has similarly peaked since the council began an engagement program in June 2019. In November 2019 for example, women participating in a Galiwin’ku Community Development Program collected hundreds of cans and bottles to grow funds for their

end of year celebrations. The growing interest came from the council’s stepping up after recognising that East Arnhem residents weren’t reaping the benefits of the territory’s CDS program as much as its neighbours in Darwin were. The East Arnhem residents are spread out across about 33,359km2 in some of the most remote parts of the country. The council provides core local government services to nine remote communities within East Arnhem Land – Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala, Gunyangara, Umbakumba, Angurugu and Milyakburra. The council covers a region that has a high cost of living, overcrowded housing and low-income earners, which poses challenges when CSD depots are far and few; and the desire to pick up litter is low. East Arnhem residents earn on average less than half of the national and state average per week, yet their cost of living is amongst the highest in the Northern Territory. East Arnhem Regional Council waste and environmental manager Emma Clay explained that understandably waste and recycling hasn’t been high on the priority list for East Arnhem residents, so the council created incentives to help engage residents for their

benefit. The idea was boosted by an ongoing challenges to reduce litter in the region as it was so high that an average 2,098 pieces of litter could be found in a single 10m by 10m area, according to a 2018 Litter Hot Spot Audit. The council set out to give East Arnhem residents the same benefits that other Australians received through CDS programs after engagement proved low in a previous initiative where the community could return containers and decide on a community cause the funds would go to. Clay said engagement in this initiative was low, so the council worked on ensuring individuals could receive a 10-cent refund per container, just like other Northern Territory residents. In June 2019, East Arnhem Regional Council decided to trial the first ever Cash for Containers depot in Galiwin’ku, using a Mobile Depot from Darwin, Envirobank. The containers

Residents in East Arnhem cash-in dozens of containers.

INSIDEWASTE APRIL/MAY 2020

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Community engagement

East Arnhem Regional Council helped the community reap the benefits of the territory’s CDS program.

where then back-loaded to the recycler in Darwin, free of charge. With less than two weeks of advertising and with the depot operating for just five hours, Galiwin’ku recycled 12,817 containers – injecting more than $1,200 into an economy with a population of just over 2000 people. Since then, there have been several trials across the region, all of which have gone phenomenally well, Clay said. “In the period of July to November 2019, we recycled 128,687 containers through one or two events held in each community. This is huge for a tiny council population of just over 9,000 people – most of which have

never previously recycled cans or bottles and do not speak English as a first language. We only expect this number to grow too.” Following initial trials, the council scheduled three-monthly events in each community, but mid-way through the second round of events it became clear that the council needed to provide its residents with access to the cash for the containers on a more regular basis, Clay said. The council is now working with its CDS Coordinator, Envirobank, to find technologies that may be suitable for the region, such as mobile reverse vending machines that could be shared between communities. The council is also considering trialling a ‘Drop and

Go’ system, where residents can drop off their cans and bottles and return at a later time to collect their cash. The initiative has helped clean up the environment and importantly, Clay highlighted, it has helped East Arnhem residents. “The number one benefit for us would have to be the community engagement. The CDS events are a positive way for [the] council to interact with its constituents. “Everyone who leaves one of our CDS events walks away with cash in their hand and knowing that they’ve done a good thing for their land; and as [the] council, we are very happy to be a part of making that happen. “We have kids collecting items off

the ground on the day, who might come in with one bag and get $5. Then we also get families who save up their cans and bottles and collect from the other houses in the street. One family in Milingimbi earned over $1000 in one collection,” Clay said. It is not only a cash injection into some of the most disadvantaged communities in Australia, but it also has a huge benefit on litter reduction in the region and prevents valuable materials entering landfill sites, Clay explained. While community response has been high, the East Arhnem Regional Council is continuing to grow engagement with educational videos about hazardous waste and school visits. “We are looking to put together an educational program that we can offer to both kids and adults when we are visiting our remote locations on a regular basis. This will form part of our waste education strategy – also under development,” Clay said. “The CDS events have acted as a useful platform to further waste education.” Clay shared one highlight in her career where she drove past a group of Yolngu people in Gapuwiyak who were sitting by a lake. “I wound down my window and gave them a wave when one of the ladies shouted out ‘Yow! (yes). Recycling’, and then everyone cheered. “The word is getting out and we definitely plan to capitalise on this.” iw East Arnhem Regional Council won the WARR (Waste and Resource Recovery) Awards Re.Group Outstanding WARR Project: Rural/Regional award in 2019. The WARR Awards are a joint initiative between the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) and Inside Waste. Our 2019 sponsors were vital in making the awards thrive – Bingo, Arcadis Consulting Group, A.Prince Consulting, Re.Group, Veolia and TOMRA

The Waste 2020 Conference has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Mark your diary for the 2021 event which is scheduled for 4-6 MAY in Coffs Harbour. Hope you see you there! www.coffswasteconference.com.au | email: wasteconference@impactenviro.com.au | phone: 02 6583 8118 Supported by:

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APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Resource Recovery //

An Australian landfill ban for textiles raises questions for industry A textile ban for Australia?

Contributed by Blake Lindley LANDFILL bans are used internationally to drive investment into problem wastes and legislate expectations for end-of-life management. Landfill bans, taxes on waste and cash incentives already exist for textiles in Belgium, Sweden and Denmark while the UK is currently proposing a ban. So, what if Australia followed suit? The bans are used to manage problem waste as an outcomedriven policy tool for a few good reasons. They provide a clear and easily communicated objective, have relatively simple monitoring and measurement and allow the market to develop its preferred approach to the issue. Across Europe, bans have been very successful in managing other problem wastes such as e-waste, hazardous liquid waste, and batteries.

The broader benefits of a simple policy lever Textiles make up a relatively small percentage of Australian landfills by weight however, the sector has a disproportionately high impact on human health and the environment. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation found the “total greenhouse gas emissions from textiles production, at 1.2 billion tonnes annually, is more than those of all international flights and maritime shipping combined”. With 73 per cent of all textiles incinerated or landfilled after their first use, the opportunity for recycling to drive significant emissions reductions and environmental improvement through avoiding the extraction and processing of new materials for textiles is significant. The clothing and apparel sector is one of only a few industries which has seen a reduction in its efficiency of use over the last decade. Between 2000 and 2015, the number of garments produced globally increased from 50billion to 100billion while the average number of wears reduced from 200 to 160. Fashion and clothing are something where we are consuming more but using less. Currently, there is little recycling 32

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Most jurisdictions in Australia see tectile recycling rates of one percent of less.

capacity to recycle textiles beyond lab-scale – particularly technologies capable of returning garments into their raw materials. Most jurisdictions in Australia see textile recycling rates of one per cent or less and while the charity sector is well set up in Australia to reuse old clothing, it’s not uncommon to see large portions of this ragged or donated offshore for a second life before inevitably arriving in landfill. It’s easy to see why fast fashion is becoming the poster child for un-sustainability. So, if a landfill ban was in the works, what would that mean for the industry?

The mechanics of a landfill ban Landfill bans can be implemented in a few ways. The most common being bans based on waste source, waste type and waste properties. Waste source, refers to the origin of the waste, such as household waste, municipal solid waste, commercial waste, or construction waste. In Germany, municipal waste is subject to a ban. Waste type is the category of waste, such as recyclables (Belgium) or waste suitable for incineration. And waste properties, refers to physical and

biological properties of waste, such as biodegradability or total organic carbon (TOC) value. These forms of waste may be hazardous if sent to landfill. For example, Sweden has banned all waste with a TOC value higher than 10 from landfill. Landfill bans in Europe have proven successful for some time. In the Netherlands, landfill bans on combustible and biologically decomposable waste as well as recoverable separated construction and demolition waste have been in operation since 1995. Accompanying the ban, a landfill levy (as used in several Australian states) also encouraged good practice. The ban was a huge success, with waste treatment in landfills only accounting for 10 per cent of landfill by 2006. Landfill bans on hazardous liquid waste and e-waste for example, are already in operation in some states and territories in Australia. However, unlike the Netherlands, bans in Australia lack proper enforcement, supervision and consistency across states, making it difficult to gauge their success. For a ban to be successful, a coordinated and national policy approach is required, with strong buy-in from all state and local authorities.

In the case of textiles, a carefully designed textile ban does allow us to account for the varied supply chain and uses of industrial textiles in comparison to clothing and apparel. This allows us the chance to target waste from supply chains, waste from businesses, and eventually waste from consumers. Adopting a tiered approach will allow potential recycling solutions to work, first with those sectors with the highest economic rationale to recover textiles, without over-burdening the current system of kerbside collection and charitable reuse of complex postconsumer textile streams. Meanwhile, the clarity that the notion of a “ban” can send to market cannot be underestimated. Whilst it does require strong and ambitious leadership, it does provide certainty, something our recycling markets require now more than ever. Lastly, the ease of enforcing landfill bans makes it an attractive policy approach to textile waste, but it needs complementary support from governments to develop markets for the materials recovered from textile recycling. As is too often forgotten, it is only when recycled materials displace virgin inputs in production that we see environmental improvement. As a black and white solution to the often overly complex world of waste policy, it is one of a raft of policy approaches being championed by ACTA in pursuit of a full textile recovery across Australia by 2030. iw In Australia, the Australasian Circular Textile Association (ACTA) was established to support the fashion industry in transitioning from a linear take-make-waste model, to full circularity. ACTA provides the critical link between policymakers, academia and the private sector to centralises a discourse around recovery of the broader spectrum of textiles, including carpets, uniforms, signage, furniture and the myriad other post-industrial sources of textile waste.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Textiles

Tackling textile waste By Inside Waste AUSTRALIANS send an average 23kgs of textiles to landfill per person, each year, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). More than 500,000 tonnes (or 88 per cent) of leather and textiles were sent to landfill in 2009-10 as these waste types are considered to be too costly or difficult to recover. What is of further concern, is that two-thirds of those materials are manmade synthetic/plastic fibres that are difficult to break down. Furthermore, leather and textiles are among waste materials not commonly exported, the ABS reports. So they remain in landfill, despite having the potential to add value to the Australian economy. The University of Queensland reports globally, about 80 billion new pieces of clothing are consumed every year, which is 400 per cent more than two decades ago. Information from the university also indicated that Australia is the second-largest consumer of new textiles after the US – averaging 27 kilograms of new textiles per year. Textile waste and consumption is an issue that continues to be a challenge, but some consumers are tackling it by donating their clothes to charities in the hope they will be reused. Similarly, there is a growing interest by Australian consumers to purchase second-hand goods. A Vinnies NSW spokesman told Inside Waste that the opshop has seen a surge in people wanting to shop in a way that

Vinnies reported that overall sales were up by six per cent from the previous year.

has a positive impact on both the environment and socially. Vinnies reported that overall sales for 2018–2019 were $47,522,599 – up by six per cent on the previous year. It’s with the help of clothing collections and drop-off points that charities such as Vinnies are able to provide a service to the community that ensures people have access to affordable second-hand clothing. And while this keeps some clothing out of landfill, it too comes with challenges. Clothing is often dumped in charity bins despite not being reusable or resalable. Vinnies aims

The NSW EPA is trying to tackle illegal dumping at charity bins and shopfronts.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

to distributed sellable clothing to shops across Australia and it diverts other items to alternative recycling and reuse businesses. However, the Vinnies spokesman said that the organisations works hard to educate donors on what types of donations can be sold; and its peak body, National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO), works with governments at different levels to prevent illegal dumping. “Whilst we do use CCTV in some locations, we don’t have the capacity to monitor all our collection points. We encourage our supporters to donate in person at our shops during opening hours where a team member can assist them to donate goods,” he said. The NSW EPA is one government body trying to tackle illegal dumping at charity bins and shopfronts. In July 2019, it released an action plan to work with charities, local government and other stakeholders in a coordinated effort to stop dumping at donation points. The plan outlines strategies to reduce illegal dumping by driving positive change in public behaviour and awareness around acceptable donating. At the time of the release of the plan, NSW EPA executive director for waste operations and programs Carmen Dwyer said that most people try to do the right thing when it comes to donating, but everyone could use a reminder about how to donate responsibly.

“NSW charitable recyclers help people reuse household goods and textiles, help people in need and reduce the amount of household waste that goes to landfill,” Dwyer said. Where items are still dumped or cannot be sold due to low quality, the Vinnies spokesman said Vinnies works with a number of partners and suppliers to promote the reuse of textiles and other materials. “We are also working with universities and industry partners to explore further possible textile and other materials recycling options in Australia and offshore. We are committed to being part of Australia’s circular economy future,” he said. Researchers from QUT’s Institute for Future Environments (IFE) Catapult program, for example, are looking at new uses for textile waste, including manufacturing scraps, unwanted clothing and cotton gin trash. The project, announced in late 2019, aims to transform textile waste into high value-added carbon material for potassium ion batteries. IFE executive director Kerrie Wilson said it’s about helping to feed and sustain that spark of creativity and inspiration to deliver a solution with real-world impact. “IFE’s mission is to create and exchange knowledge that makes our world more sustainable, secure and resilient, and these four exciting projects all illustrate QUT’s leadership in fostering research that can lead to better outcomes for our planet.” iw APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Legal //

Facilities alerted to NSW EPA draft financial assurance policy impact By Ross Fox, Fishburn Watson O’Brien IN EARLY MARCH, the NSW EPA produced a draft Financial Assurance Policy (FAP) and Estimating Guideline (EG) to ensure that taxpayers will not be left to foot the bill if a facility folds or the operator walks away leaving behind waste or contamination. This move specifically provides greater protection for taxpayers against picking up the clean-up costs from defaulting waste facilities. However, the draft policy is likely to directly impact the balance sheet of all facilities providing financial assurances, limiting their capacity to borrow to grow or meet emerging challenges. The release of the draft FAP and Guideline on Calculating Financial Assurance Amounts, comes at a difficult time for an industry which is dealing with export bans, weak domestic markets for recyclables and now Covid-19. Some facilities are likely to see increases in the order of millions of dollars on the amount of financial assurance they are required to provide the EPA (usually in the form of a bank guarantee) to cover their licence obligations in the event of default. The draft guidelines set out how the EPA will determine when the holder of an environment protection licence is required to provide a financial assurance and if so, in what amount.

Financial assurance acts as a deposit A financial assurance is effectively a deposit held by the EPA to be called upon if a licensee defaults on conditions of the licence, rehabilitation requirements or clean-up obligations. It is normally provided by the licensee to the EPA by way of a guarantee from a major financial institution. It is then returned to the licensee when operations cease, and all licence obligations have been met.

Guidelines cover assurances and costs The Draft Financial Assurance Policy 34

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(FA Policy) covers matters including: • the amount of financial assurance required by the EPA; • the type of financial assurance required by the EPA; • the actions that the EPA will take with a financial assurance. The Policy is supported by Estimating Financial Assurances: Draft Guideline on Independent Assessment of Costs (Estimating Guideline) covers matters including: - requirements for preparing an estimate of costs; - requirements for independent assessment of costs; - periodic review of the costs estimate.

High risk licences impacted The FAP enables the EPA to impose financial assurance requirements on any licence that is ranked medium to high risk. Interestingly, a licensee who has been issued any penalty notice in the last five years is deemed high risk, irrespective of other factors. As to the amount of financial assurance, for resource recovery facilities, transfer stations and waste storage facilities, the formula for calculation of the assurance is: Financial Assurance amount ($) = Tonnes of waste authorised to be stored (Authorised Amount) x Transport and disposal cost ($ per tonne)

Limited discount While this formula has been used previously by the EPA on an informal basis, it was commonly discounted to account for the low likelihood of a catastrophic incident occurring. Although the new guidelines don’t provide for any such discount, they do provide discretion to the EPA. In a response to industry concern, the EPA has stated that it is willing to discount the authorised amount by the volume of waste held by a site with a

The FAP enables the EPA to impose financial assurance requirements on any licence that is ranked medium to high risk.

positive value. Landfills and other EPA licensed facilities will be required to apply the EG. These are very comprehensive and cover the costs of each stage of the lifecycle of a facility including post closure. The EPA can also require an independent auditor to either calculate or audit the estimate of costs provided by a licensee under the guidelines. This bold new step will result in a net zero cost to the taxpayer in the event of a facility defaulting on its obligations to clean up and remediate once operations cease. However, it is likely to result in a significant increase in the estimated cost for clean-up and the amounts required for financial assurances. It will also increase the compliance cost of providing a financial assurance. The FAP and EG provide that the EPA would consider alternatives to a bank guarantee provided they meet specific criteria.

Industry concerns During an EPA consultation session in early March, industry members raised several concerns including that: • no allowance is made for operating history such as the number of years a facility has operated without default; • no discount was provided for the likelihood of a default arising, with the financial assurance effectively required to cover all licence

obligations; • t he amount required will be calculated on licence limits and not stock levels; • the FAP is economically inefficient because the effect will be that the total value of all financial assurances across the industry will likely be orders of magnitude above the historical costs incurred by taxpayers cleaning up after defaults. Some have also questioned whether a different mechanism such as an Environmental Trust levy could achieve the same outcome at lower individual cost to businesses. Once the FAP and EG are finalised, the EPA has advised that it expected to transition licensees as part of the regular program of licence reviews.

Facilities need legal advice Facilities which currently hold a financial assurance should consider seeking legal and technical advice on the impact of the draft FAP and EG and on how to minimise the amount required for the financial assurance. More than ever, it will be essential to take steps to minimise the potential liability where practical, as financial assurances are now likely to have a larger impact on the balance sheet of the business. Those with an opinion are encouraged to participate in the EPA’s public consultation which closes on 14 April 2020. iw

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Waste data

Managing waste data for the public good By Joe Pickin and Geoff Latimer THERE IS A clear social benefit in providing public information about the movement and management of waste. Waste management often relies on good individual practices, and these are buttressed by public confidence in the sector. Transparency makes it easier for investors to identify infrastructure gaps, improves the standard of public and political debate, and means community groups, neighbours and governments can more easily identify risks and poor practices. Generators of hazardous or large waste streams will keep a more careful eye on their waste management if they know the public can see it too. Easily available data means secret stockpiles and criminal activity are less likely. Would it have been possible, for example, for massive volumes of solvents to be secreted throughout Victoria if recipients publicly reported what they received from where, and what they did with it? At present, information on waste flows in Australia is limited in scope and detail by two major issues: reporting gaps and commercial confidentiality.

Reporting gaps Most jurisdictions require reporting from most landfills, typically to ensure levies are properly collected and passed to the state. Some jurisdictions – NSW, Queensland, the ACT and WA – have established or are moving towards compulsory reporting by processors of waste collected for recycling. Most jurisdictions require reporting of movements of hazardous waste, although some still rely on old-fashioned paper certificates that are time-consuming to process and generate poor quality data. However, there are many gaps. Landfills outside the Perth metropolitan area don’t have to report, and some of these may be receiving large quantities of C&D waste that should be subject to the WA levy. Voluntary surveys of the recycling industry have worked well for SA and Victoria for many years, but facilities may decline to report, for example when upset about an unfavourable government decision. I was informed one jurisdiction doesn’t ask about stockpiles because ‘why would they tell

Joe Pickin wants greater transparency of public waste data.

us?’. Several large companies recently declined to respond to a major survey of MRFs intended to help plan public investments in the sector.

Commercial confidentiality Governments collect waste information for a range of purposes, including levy collection, planning and monitoring, but generally report only collated and aggregated information. Sitespecific and disaggregated information are hidden due to commercial confidentiality constraints in state and territory legislation. Potential penalties for unauthorised disclosure by public servants or their consultants include large fines and jail time. The constraints can be extremely tight, sometimes preventing data sharing of even innocuous aggregated data between levels or agencies of government. Victoria’s new Environment Protection Act has hopefully resolved the issue, but for many years Sustainability Victoria and Victorian waste and resource recovery groups were unable to access information held by EPA Victoria that was of obvious benefit in fulfilling their statutory functions, including waste receipts and landfill capacities. A public servant from another jurisdiction told me that our request, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for a tonnage figure on the total quantity of a particular hazardous waste generated in that jurisdiction would not receive a response because it could theoretically result in staff going to jail.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Commercial confidentiality constraints were developed alongside reporting requirements. The deal between the waste industry and government was: “we agree to provide information to you so long as you promise to keep it secret”. The concern is understandable – no operator wants their activities, markets and processes to be available to commercial rivals, who might use it to poach business or copy their innovations. But what if all companies’ information simultaneously become publicly available? This is a very different scenario. It might be uncomfortable for some operators, but the main issue of unfair advantage would be absent. Would they even care? We note that orthodox economics sees access to market information as a public good and an enabler of market efficiency. Why would we allow narrow commercial interests to reduce market efficiency in this area of crucial public interest?

National Pollutant Inventory as a precedent A precedent casts light on the previous question. The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) was established in 1998 as a compulsory mechanism for publicly disclosing what companies emit to the (predominantly air) environment, covering a range of chemical pollutants. As it was developed, there were protestations from industry that it was an outrageous over-reach: mandatory reporting in

tonnes per year of pollutants emitted from specific facilities, with full records of company name and address – all in one big, downloadable database on the internet. The widely voiced concern was commercial confidentiality; a competitor could back-calculate critical throughput and production information, based on public knowledge of emission outputs, and so glean an unfair insight into business operations. In response, Government established a procedure to assess reports flagged as potentially commercially confidential, with successful claims resulting in the publication of aggregated data only. A review of the last 10 National Environment Protection Council annual reports reveals only one claim for commercial confidentiality. The Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy advises that no such claims have been successful over the 20 years of the program. An examination of the 2018 NPI review discussion paper and submissions found no reference to commercial confidentiality concerns. It appears to be a non-issue.

Conclusions We maintain that weakness in reporting requirements and subservience to industry preferences is undermining appropriate public oversight of waste generation and management. Given the recent failings of waste governance, it is time for a rethink. The public interest would be better served if data on waste types, quantities, sources, facilities, processes, pathways and fates were much more publicly transparent. The default position of state and territory governments should be to require this information from significant waste generators and waste operators above some low threshold level of throughput. Reporting exemptions should be available on a case-bycase basis where a sound rationale is provided. Governments should report this information in disaggregated and aggregated forms. iw Dr Joe Pickin is a director of Blue Environment strategic environmental consultants. Geoff Latimer is the director of Ascend Waste and Environment. Both work extensively on government waste data and reporting, and always respect confidentiality requirements. APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Emissions //

Creating economic wealth from emissions reduction The waste and recycling industry contributes close to three per cent of Australia’s direct emissions.

it shows up in emission reduction accounts in other countries – but climate change doesn’t care where the emissions occur, just that they do. So far, state levies have significantly reduced Australia’s emission footprint and contributed to global emission reduction of at least 50MT of CO2 e.

Can we do better?

By Mike Ritchie AUSTRALIA contributes 1.3 per cent to global GHG emissions. Various voices in the coalition are saying that is so small we don’t need to act to reduce emissions because the adverse economic impacts are not worth it. I don’t buy that argument. Reducing emissions means growing jobs and economic wealth in different parts of the economy. Let’s look at the recycling and waste industry as an example. The waste and recycling industry contributes close to 3 per cent of Australia’s direct emissions, essentially from methane leakage from landfills and emissions from trucks. In 1996, it emitted 16MT of CO2-e, had a recycling rate of 6 per cent, and employed 30,000 people. In 2019, it emitted 11MT of CO2-e, recycled 58 per cent of all waste and employed 56,000 people. This was done essentially by putting a carbon price on the waste we landfill – both directly via the Carbon “Tax” of Julia Gillard, and indirectly by the state government landfill levies. The effect has been significant.

Direct emissions Firstly, the carbon pricing mechanism encouraged landfill owners to install 36

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gas capture systems to reduce fugitive methane emissions. Every tonne of methane emitted from a landfill is equivalent to emitting 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The result of the carbon price was that every landfill in Australia emitting over 25,000t of CO2 e per year installed a gas capture system. This reduced landfill GHG emissions by at least 6 million tonnes per year. The biggest challenge remains the cumulative emissions from all of the small landfills and the continuing fugitive emissions from large landfills. With the axing of the carbon price there is a much reduced commercial incentive to improve gas capture, so fugitive emissions have continued. The second key mechanism has come from state landfill levies, which are an indirect price on the ‘externalities’ of landfill. They are an attempt to price the unintended consequences of landfilling our waste including odour, loss of resources, emissions, traffic, dust and the opportunity cost of not being able to recycle these products back into the productive economy. State landfill taxes now range from $0 to $140. They are the key driver of the significant growth in recycling rates across the country. And most important, the levy is only paid on

waste to landfill. It is completely avoided if the material is recycled. If you don’t cause pollution, you don’t pay the price.

Indirect emissions While the direct emissions from the waste sector are 10MT (from landfill methane emissions), the indirect benefits of recycling are much bigger. Recycling sends useful products back to industry and by avoiding the extraction of raw materials it massively reduces associated GHG emissions. If we recycle, we don’t need to mine, transport and process the equivalent raw materials – processes that can be very energy and emissions intensive. By recycling, we are capturing the embodied energy of the recovered materials. Recycling currently reduces the direct emissions of other manufacturing activities by at least 50MT of CO2 e per year. That is, 50MT more emissions that glass factories, aluminium smelters, steel smelters and paper mills would be emitting if they did not have access to the recycled product. If we were to stop recycling, emissions would go up by 50MT of CO2 e, which is 10 per cent of Australia’s 533MT national emissions. Some of this material is exported so

Work done by Warnken ISE, and replicated by MRA recently, shows that Australia could achieve at least a further 50MT of CO2 e emission reduction: 1. Divert organics from landfill and into compost for farmers – reducing landfill methane generation and facilitating soil carbon storage; 2. Expand recycling to avoid emissions associated with mining and manufacturing new materials; 3. Expand EfW to displace fossil fuels, capture the embodied energy of non-recyclable materials and avoid emissions; and 4. Increase landfill gas capture to capture the remaining direct landfill emissions. These simple and cost effective actions would reduce Australia’s emissions by 10 per cent (a third of the total 26-28 per cent Paris commitment). If we expanded recycling, captured fugitive landfill emissions, introduced EfW, and banned organics to landfill, we could avoid another 50MT currently emitted by other sectors. That would massively reduce our contribution to global emissions, generate at least 50,000 additional jobs and grow new businesses – driving economic growth. The idea that reducing emissions necessarily stifles economic growth and is a jobs destroyer, is simply not correct. We can create a more sustainable Australia by reducing emissions, increasing recycling and growing new green jobs. It just requires political will and the courage to take the next step. We shouldn’t need more disasters to make this transition happen. iw Mike Ritchie is MRA Consulting Group’s managing director and has 25 years’ experience in environmental policy and business development.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Young professional

A decade of change “I wouldn’t have necessarily thought of waste management as career path when I was going through university. Now, the amount of waste specific jobs being advertised has increased. Definitely in the metropolitan, and even a little bit in rural areas, they will advertise for waste management specific roles.”

Alex Upitis has been working in the waste industry for 10 years.

By Inside Waste A SHORT WALK to the office through the quite township of Nowra in NSW is bliss for Alex Upitis, compared to the long commute many experience daily. It’s one of the perks that the senior waste management consultant pointed out when talking to Inside Waste about his career in the waste industry. “It’s been nice to live and work where I want to,” Upitis said. He has the benefit of living in a quiet area, while maintaining an interesting and steady work flow. Upitis said it’s something many people that are new to the industry can look forward to as waste isn’t going anywhere in a hurry. “You can get a role anywhere once you’re in it. I was a little concerned when I moved back here because I had no professional network, but waste is needed everywhere.” Upitis embarked on a career in the waste sector 10 years ago after studying environmental engineering in NSW. He first moved to Perth and acquired a position with a small waste consultancy before starting with Talis Consultants. He was based in Perth for five years prior to starting an office for Talis in the Shoalhaven with a team of three.

“It was a huge step for me professionally. The fact that a lot of the councils have been really receptive to me and my ideas has been really nice,” Upitis said. As he pointed out, waste management is needed everywhere – no matter how big or small the city. This, coupled with the fact that the industry is gaining greater attention from the federal government and the general public, makes it an appealing industry. Upitis said that in his 10 years in the industry, he has noticed that public awareness of the waste sector has grown and so too has the job market. “I wouldn’t have necessarily thought of waste management as career path when I was going through university. Now, the amount of waste specific jobs being advertised has increased. Definitely in the metropolitan, and even a little bit in rural areas, they will advertise for waste management specific roles. “Young people might see these roles come up more often now, whereas five years ago, there were hardly any waste jobs advertised. I think it’s a direct result of waste being more publicly discussed,” Upitis said.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

With the industry growing, Upitis expects there won’t be a shortage of roles anytime soon. “It’s a good opportunity to get straight into it rather than in the past where people fell into it. You could now almost direct your career towards waste management and the circular economy if you knew about it beforehand.” He observed that the general public’s interest in certain aspects of the industry has also climbed. “People are more aware of it. It’s definitely good to see. “A lot of my friends back when I first started working in waste management couldn’t care less. But now, I get plenty of questions about what’s happening where, and why it’s happening. “I’m getting it more when I’m meeting younger people too. They are just on top of it nowadays.” Upitis has also noticed a change in council behaviour towards waste management, with councils being more open to innovation. “Councils are typically very conservative, but they haven’t been afraid to do things that are innovative, which is great.” Upitis has been working with councils that are supporting the Energy from Waste (EfW) projects in East Rockingham and Kwinana. He commended these councils for branching out into the EfW sector, which has been slowly gaining traction in Australia.

“Big waste infrastructure projects being backed by local government aren’t necessarily new in Western Australia, but to move towards thermal technology is new nationally. “Those councils had the guts to go down that path. It’s exciting that those councils have been brave enough to do it,” Upitis said. In other regions, councils are waiting to see what will happen with the EfW projects in Western Australia so they can learn from those processes, he explained. What’s also great, is that councils are beginning to think about future waste streams such as solar panel waste for example, Upitis said. “Although councils have traditionally been conservative, they are now leading the way.” Upitis is interested in staying involved in large thermal technology projects and seeing how the market responds to these projects. He said that groups for young professionals are a good way to share similar interests and to have conversations with people in the same stage of their career. “Often people that are new to the industry will feel more comfortable asking questions to other young professionals in a similar situation. “Having groups of young professionals across the country coming together and also promoting the industry can only be a good thing.” iw

Uptis works with councils that support EfW projects in East Rockingham and Kwinana.

APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Equipment News //

The CityCat V20e has been developed for comfort and safety.

Bucher Municipal expands and develops By Inside Waste Bucher Municipal is opening its new Marsden Park facility in Sydney in April 2020. This 19,000 sqm purpose-built facility is an expansion of its local and well recognised manufacturing capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility will also accommodate refuse, vacuum and sweepers vehicles. 2,400 sqm of Bucher Municipal’s new facility, will allocate fast parts supply and a guaranteed 24-hour emergency support 365 days a year. Along with this new operational facility, Bucher Municipal also has 19 service vehicles on its portfolio and 80 dedicated industry specialists on site to provide the best class in service and support for its customers. Bucher Municipal’s general manager for sales, Luke Aitken, told Inside Waste that continued manufacturing investment from Bucher Municipal in Australia was a priority for the organisation.

Electric vehicle focus “As more electric vehicles appear in the Australian marketplace 38

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during 2020, a focus would be placed on launching its electric vehicles,” Aitken explained. He said that Bucher Municipal was currently undergoing an extensive testing and demonstration program of an electric rear loader with its business partners CMI Hino and SEA Electric. As a result, the company would begin rolling out its medium rear loader, the Bucher UrBin 11e. This UrBin 11e is built on a Hino FE 1426 platform with an all-electric SEA-Drive 120b powertrain from SEA Electric Pty Ltd. This stateof-the-art truck produces 250Kw of power and an extraordinary 2500Nm of torque. This 100 per cent electric vehicle provides substantial running cost savings, zero emissions and quiet operation, critical features which make it ideal for residential and CBD collection. The UrBin 11e has up to 11 hours running time on a single charge with a 14T GVM chassis providing up to 5t payload. It fully charges in 8 hours with an optional quick charge in less than 2 hours.

The 100 per cent electric vehicle provides good cost savings and zero emissions.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

// Equipment News

Unparalleled suction performance Bucher Municipal also plans to release its electric compact sweeper towards the end of 2020, CityCat V20e. The CityCat V20e is Bucher Municipal’s new all-electric compact sweeper. It utilises a customdesigned 63 kWh Lithium Ion battery pack with the capacity to last a full 8 hour shift. Powerful, yet considerate

to its surroundings, the CityCat V20e can also be used around the clock due to its low noise emissions and quick charging options. • 63 kwh Lithium Ion battery pack providing 8 hours of operation • Charge time 2-3 hours • Additional fast charging options are available • 1.8t payload The CityCat V20e suction system has been perfectly designed to maximise performance and minimise blockages, producing optimal sweeping results, regardless of the surface.

Comfort and Safety The CityCat V20e has been developed for comfort and safety, combined with improved suspension, soft touch steering wheel and completely redesigned control systems, the CityCat V20e offers the best operator experience. The carefully designed cab gives the CityCat V20e unbeatable visibility, resulting in additional safety for the driver and public.

The CityCat V20e has been developed for comfort and safety, combined with improved suspension, soft touch steering wheel and completely redesigned control systems, the CityCat V20e offers the best operator experience. Sustainability Focusing on sustainability, Bucher Industries develops and manufactures machinery and equipment geared towards meeting fundamental human needs and which have technological, economic and environmental benefits. The technology of Bucher Municipal’s custom-designed battery pack is specifically designed to CityCat V20e vehicle. This technology proves reduction of environmental footprint and provides low noise emissions, a maximum sweeping efficiency and lower ‘total cost of ownership.’ iw

TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS. TODAY

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Equipment News //

Electric sweeper cuts emissions to zero By Inside Waste THE URBAN-SWEEPER S2.0 engineered by Swiss manufacturer Boschung is their only fully electric sweeper and will soon be available on the Australian market. Distributed in Australia by Garwood International, the Urban-Sweeper has been described as street-smart, intuitive, compact and specifically engineered and designed for maximum performance in urban landscapes. Garwood International national technical manager, Reece McCrystal recently returned from a training session on the machine at Boschung’s head office in Switzerland. McCrystal told Inside Waste that the primary reason for the trip was to acquaint himself with features and functions of the Urban-Sweeper firsthand. Until now, Garwood has distributed its range of diesel machines to the market, the Boschung S2. “It’s the first fully electric sweeper that we have been able to offer the waste industry. We really believe that it will take productivity, efficiency and reduced running costs to the next level. While having zero exhaust emissions and less noise throughout our cities and neighbourhoods. It’s a real game changer,” he said.

Intelligent battery system At the heart of the Urban-Sweeper S2.0 is the battery, described by the manufacturer as a powerful muscle that keeps the vehicle moving, and whose performance determines how efficient the sweeper can be. Innovative materials and design help optimise the battery’s capacity, durability and safety, contributing to optimised (consider changing as same as above) performance. “One of the major features of the battery is its ability to deliver an entire eight-hour work shift at a charging rate of two hours with the supercharger, or eight hours with the standard charger,” McCrystal said. The 54.4 kWh lithium-ion battery has 12 modules and a total of 4,320 cells, which are integrated directly under the waste hopper compartment. This provides energy to the powertrain, with two all-electric front wheel engines, two all-electric broom engines and the all-electric turbine. 40

INSIDEWASTE APRIL/MAY 2020

The Urban-Sweeper battery has a warranty of three years or 2,500 hours.

Safety guaranteed Twenty-four temperature sensors constantly monitor the battery to ensure battery protection under load, reducing the need for active battery cooling. (maybe rework so the sentence doesn’t start with a number) The dedicated battery management system will also monitor cell balancing and prevent total discharge or over charging to occur. This works to optimise the battery’s capacity, durability, lifespan and safety. The Urban-Sweeper battery has a standard limited warranty of three years or 2,500 hours. The machine also comes equipped with a charge-on-the-go function (dynamic regenerative charging) and choice of on-board charger or universal charging station (type 2) compatibilities.

Lighter and narrower The sweeper weighs in at JUST 2.3 tonnes, making it one tonne lighter and, at 1.15m, 15cm narrower than sweepers in the same class. According to McCrystal, the UrbanSweeper S2.0 was designed with efficiency and technological advances top of mind. “It provides an exceptionally light weight and narrow width for maximum reach and suction performance. Urban-Sweeper can

fit into the narrowest streets while providing maximum performance. The chassis is made out of a high resistant metal, enabling the sweeper to hold a total gross weight of 3,500 kg or 1200kgs payload,” McCrystal explained.

Online software The Boschung comes equipped with on-board GPS, which can provide the management (operators?) with up to the minute machine location, vehicle speed and sweep path history.

Waste absorption With a sweeping reach of 2300mm, the Urban-Sweeper’s width can also be enlarged by adding a 3rd brush to the front. The sweeper also features a suction mouth, covering the full width between the brushes with a hydraulic activated large debris flap and heavy-duty castor wheels. The Urban-Sweeper was initially launched in Europe in 2018 and is now in use in London (6), Berlin (40), Nottingham (8) and London’s Gatwick airport (1). Garwood had intended to exhibit the Urban-Sweeper at the Waste 2020 Conference in May, however following the cancellation of the conference due to COVID-19, McCrystal said he is now arranging one-on-one meetings with prospective customers in lieu of the exhibition.

A demonstration machine is expected to arrive in Australia in late April this year. Contact Garwood to find out more or arrange a demonstration. iw

Special Features: • LED lights; • Suction mouth covering the full width between brushes optimises waste absorption; • Impact protected with hydraulic activated large debris flap and heavy-duty castor wheels; • High performance suction blower, tear resistant and selfcleaning waste absorption; • Air conditioning system; • Two electric motors for a maximum speed of 45km/h; • Electric broom motors with heat sensors; • Rear view and suction mouth cameras.

Optional extras: • Articulated hand suction hose; • Third front broom; • Automatic central lubrication system; and • Spray gun with high pressure water pump.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Refurbished equipment services

CityCat V20e

Give your old equipment a new lease of life with an inspection and quote. Features: • Partially or fully rebuild your compactors and truck bodies, based on your requirements; • Gets them back out to work where they can continue generating income; • Refurbished equipment is provided with a structural guarantee; • Any new parts that are replaced are also covered; • Great cost saver for businesses with valuable cost savings to the end user as an incentive to extend existing contracts or secure new contracts purely based on price Contact: service@wastech.com.au or 1800 465 465

The CityCat V20e is a second generation, electric powered sweeper with a difference and had mpressive low noise emissions. Features: • High manoeuvrability through articulated steering • 98 dB(A) noise emission level • Suction nozzle located between front axle • Floating suction nozzle system and high suction performance • Impeller made out of stainless steel • PM2.5/10 4-star certified • Emissions standard Euro 6c • Unique front wheel drive with differential lock Contact Details: www. buchermunicipal.com/int

Topturn X63

Hino FE 1426 EV

The Komptech Topturn X63 compost turner, mixes the perfect windrow. Features: • Powerful CAT C13 engine; • Large-dimensioned turning drum with conveyor and thrower blades for high capacity; • Efficient throughput so you leave behind tall, peaked windrows.

Application: The Hino FE 1426 EV, 14T GVM Electric Drivetrain does the job for which it was intended with complete ease. Features: • SEA-Drive 120b Electric Drivetrain • Permanent Magnetic Motor, Max. 250KW • Battery: Lithium-Ion NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) • On-board Inverter and Charger • Integrated cooling system • Hydraulics: Parker Electric Motor/ Pump • Touch pad drive selector • Cab Heating and Cooling Contact Details: www. buchermunicipal.com/int

Bucher

Options/Extras: • Track or wheel chassis.

ELB

Bucher

Wastech Engineering

// Product profile

Contact Details: info@elbquip. com or 1300 ELB EQU

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RELIABLE Rugged Machine is backed by industry leading 3 year equipment warranty ADAPTABLE Readily configurable for D5-D8 class dozers and 816-836 class compactors MANEUVERABLE Comfortably tarp slopes and uneven workfaces AFFORDABLE Call us today for a quote CAPABLE 1 operator 15 minutes to cover 9.14m x 32m. All weather performs in wind rain with patented tarpLOX™ tarp control system

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Jaylon Perth: 08 9249 2088 Jaylon Brisbane: 07 3881 1904

APRIL/MAY 2020 INSIDEWASTE

Wasted Space //

Welcome to the party, Victoria come and go, we can’t afford for these trends to follow the same pattern. Once Victoria’s CDS program begins, we hope it stays just like the others. We look forward to following this space and we look forward to the first “millionbottle milestone” headline hitting our inboxes. iw

insidewaste.com.au 42

INSIDEWASTE APRIL/MAY 2020

Officia l Public ation

of the

www.inside waste

.com.au

Official Publication of the

ISSUE 90 | JUNE

24 Waste 2019 conference wrap-up

INSIDE The National Waste Policy 08 News – just more words or ABRI Response Fewill deral go 4024 WMRR Young Professionals progress be realised? ment give 42 Equipment waste precvern s edence

Trevor Evans appointed has been as Assista nt Ministe for Waste r Reduction Environment and Management .

28 Landfill guidelines 42 Illegal dump ing

Wasted opportunities circular eco for nomy

THE feelinbeing sent to landfills due to lack of does it care about the community g from many in the waste indust disengagement it is creating due to lackry is alternative options. a Fund to suppo ve one, While Europe of policy reform and action. election result Thispositi is costing the as country rt the manuf the in many has lower acturing of withadditional Progress at a national level of is more very fundin ways, brings including circular econo a clear focus to create it hope fees to emissions and energy which builds a my, the speed g andlost recycled conten -efficient suppo on disappointing. There is a complete lack councils, revenue and forfeited materials are sector in which raw rt for the . t products; to the Austra the funding provided turned into waste is cause of political will to urgently The address benefits from • $20m non- towards a for concern, Liberaenvironmental Product Stewa Board in the lian Road Research European Comm l-National Invest 2019 Budge rdship these issues. The failure of environment of Coalit recyclables. officer, Rozali returned recovery ission policy ion hasIt’s not an ment Fund to t. for anoth na Petrov accelerate on industry-led er inning ministers to sign-off on targets to declare that Australia a, explained. She spoke promiand Labor’s pre-e ses in exaggeration with recycling schem work about Europe the hundr batteries, lection polic ’s take on eds of in strategies of the NWP illustrates relation to getting es for management to their electrical support is going backward millio waste • Directing y: ns and circula and electro the settings produc its count r ineffectiveness to drive consensus econo policy right. $1 Waste 2019 ts, photovoltaic sector and ry’s waste nic billion Advan my at the Manufacturi conference the appointmen systems and ced ng Future at Coffs Harbou across states and territories. Evans as We are losingt of theTrevor community’splastic faith oil contai The Europe Fund to work ners; directly with an Union (EU) the Assist r. • $20m ant when Despite the Department of in recycling see their wastetowards manufacture has strateg in place that Waste Reduc Ministthey er for newRead ies to develo rs looking Rose just doesn’t tion keep a large andbelieves solutio innovathere p solutio Environment and Energy continuing its endingand up in landfill. Community andns for from landfil Management Enviro tiveof urgency proportion seem to be any sense ns to single nment plastic use at l, but Petrov a newly create waste is throug either a recycl ing and government packaging, and support in finalising the action plan, –business a indicated engagement recycling too many position. d cabinein h the Federal or state that invest Overall, this materials continued t Coope Research level to progress change quickly. ment into innova are still slippin there’s little evidence of electi changes to evaporating right federa before our eyes. rative year’s through the Centres Projec on was tive waste energy projec g cracks. l seenWhat as a win to ts grants government procurement practices needs to be done progra is clear. ts; m; the wastein “We have to • Establishing industry, regard for many in make sure • $16m Planning laws are important, and creating markets, community education We need to quickly ramp-up action manda that the won. less of who to suppo tory target loop. But we close Waste Manag rt better s for all we also have ment depart the laws to ensure govern ement and a national Oceanand need space is around contamination, orRecov completing waste the circle, Litter we ments in relatio Resource to slow ery Assocby appointing Project, workin Pacific to the recycl because the iation recovery neighb n available for waste management the product stewardship review. commissioner with the g with ed speed in which we turn raw of Austra (WMRR) CEO, resource ours inmade the Pacific bought direct content of materials lia materials Gayle Sloan, plastics and facilities. to reduce Facilities need to be protected This is not to say those in government to said implement the NWP. into waste fascinating,” ly or provid both encouragingresources other waste it is private contra is she said at ed by and ocean from urban encroachment agencies aren’t committed working We positi need ve strong enforceable targets in the and provided the conference. ctors; ; thetoindust “We also have to see • Seeking ry to expand Up to $5.8m with adequate buffer zones. together to address the of issues. It justattrac forting the the nextattent 5-10 years to•develop and have to preven to narrow it down. all levels schemes for a range ion We of govern t waste.” of initiatofiveslandfill produc through the Reinvestment leviests isthat are curren to other lacks vision, leadershipCounc and national expand local markets. If producers do Information Environment il of Recyc ment. Australian up in landfi tly ending from the Restor Fundcontent lingmeet essential and must be directed into coordination that is outcome-oriented. not achievable recycled lls, to ation (ACOR Comm Pete Shmig support Clean such as solar European ission states ) CEO, whitegoods el, comm PV, Keepproducts industry development With the next MeetingParty of Environment levels in their packaging, those Austra ended and all e-was uses 16 tonnes that Europe curren Australiaresearch Upand lia, the Libera on its waste • Introducing te; tly Beaut l of iful, Planet materi policy to support collection Ministers scheduled in pointe August and the should, not allowed on the market. ACOR, and processing al per person each year – a nation Ark, the Austra but be he also d out that commissione al waste of which, six lian Packag thatinghelp improve the r to Department’s product stewardship review any Thisoutco couldme be implementedCoven by amending tonnes becom ant Organ technologies waste. have benef work with would isation stakeh e all quality of(APCO waste running late, the ratesignif of progress itted will the existing depositOzHar regulations, wastecontainer ) for vest; andreuse. governolders and In 2010, industry icantly for levels total waste • Up tounder ment; theorfirst Finally, there is a significant need of continue to be slow and unproductive. by creating new regulations production the EU amoun $5mthe funny time. “In through for way, our indust • Providing in a Act. Volunt ted to 2.5 Conservatio investment in community$60m It is unsatisfactory from a government Product Stewardship ry could billion tonnes eers Austrafor greater – 36 per cent in the n over six not lose election,” to a new lia to coordiMultiple was recycle years he said. grey areas,Nation comm policy perspective and disheartening, Australia urgently needs a regulated d, with the unity campaeducation. landfilled or nate al Recycling rest Circular Econo igns to clean burned. Of and incomplete education campaigns and my as solutions exist. Libe What’sral’s lacking is plastic battery stewardship scheme as batteries this amoun European waste in beach up Fund for pre-e t, the Commission comm es erciali seed, • Contin and confusing messages serve to undermine the political will at •all$100 levels to drive lectio are an polic major y: contaminate and source sation and estima rivers; ued 600 million work project ready million tonnes could tes about withdisposal correct habits. activities that extend meaningful change. Austra It raises the to of develo fires in collection trucks, MRFs territory state, or reused. andandlocal p the adoption of lian princi The EU’s approa be recycled govern ples there Whilements tools and exist, the question, “What does it take to get Recycl our ing stockpiles. opportunitie of the circula management ch to waste Investment onapproaches s to r economy; • Atake nation is based is amore lack of leadership to it forward. governments’ attention?” We need harmonisedconten landfillt levies to get al ban on recycl on the waste hierarchy, ed into single-use which sets bags and known plastic construction needs to activate Stockpiles continue to grow, ensure that waste ends up in the right roadAustralia microbeads a specifi order when , by 2021. (Contigovernments shaping waste c priority nued on page solutions, which means unprocessed recyclables are being moved place. It should not be illegally dumped, managing waste 20.) policy and at an operat need to demonstrate greater attention from state-to-state, and state agencies stockpiled, buried or burnt when it can (Continued ional level. on page 24.) to measurable outcomes. are temporally closing MRFs due to be recovered and reused. Rose Read is the CEO of the National licence breaches from the inability to Australia needs to remove disparities Waste and Recycling Industry Council move materials to local or overseas between state regulations, which drive (NWRIC). markets. Sadly, collected recyclables are waste to the wrong places. 4538

THE TIME HAS COME for governments to demonstrate real commitment to positive outcomes. It’s been over four months since environment ministers were presented a refreshed National Waste Policy (NWP), and over 12 months since ministers committed to respond to the China ban. Unfortunately, things happen slowly in waste policy circles. For consideration at the time was the NWP and a Roadmap for Action. The NWP included five key principles based on circular economy thinking. The Roadmap included multiple targets, strategies and milestones; and role descriptions and responsibilities across all levels of government, industry and businesses. The ministers agreed to the NWP principles i.e to improve resource recovery and reuse, build markets for recycled products, improve information to guide investment and strategies; but no Roadmap for Action. Rather, the ministers resassessed their Roadmap goals - more robust targets and funding, support for industry development, increased demand for procured recyclables, a national approach to policy and regulation, and a coordinated approach to waste levies. By the time this action plan is presented to ministers in August, it will be about two years since the China ban. There has been considerable talk, but very little action. This reflects to industry that the government doesn’t see waste and recycling as a priority. It doesn’t appreciate the opportunities and benefits that would be delivered. Nor

ISSN 1837-5 618

By Rose Read

/JULY 2019

INSIDE

ISSUE 89 | APRIL/MAY 2019

www.insidewaste.com.au

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At Inside Waste, we provide up-to-date, in-depth information on policy and regulation news affecting the waste industry. The publication offers a comprehensive overview of the innovations, challenges and achievements shaping the industry in Australia and internationally. Sign up for your copy and free newsletter today at the link below.

ISSN 1837-5618

issues with recyclables heading to landfill in 2019; and like many regions in Australia, litter is an issue that isn’t going away overnight. But, CDS programs have helped reduce litter as people are now essentially throwing money away when they biff their plastic bottle in the bush “surreptitiously” when no-one is around. One person’s rubbish is another person’s treasure after all. Us Wastesiders, and other people in the industry, have long questioned the Victorian government’s decision not to commit to a CDS program. It seems the state wanted to remain off-trend. While it can be fashionable to be that little bit different to your peers, we think it’s just as cool to copy ideas that work. Governments have been copying each other for ages. The South Australian government introduced a single-use plastic bag ban in 2009. Then, Northern Territory and ACT followed suit. Not wanting to be left behind, Tasmania introduced a ban in 2013, and then a bunch of other states joined in the fun – despite taking a few years to do so. More recently, other singleuse plastic measures have been introduced – slowly creating a new trend for governments to get behind. The one thing we hope for is that these trends won’t fade like the mullet, tie-dye tops and rollerskates. Although these fashions

PP: 255003/07055

VICTORIA is finally committing to a container deposit scheme (CDS). While many countries have had CDS programs in place for years (decades even), most Australian states and territories only joined the party recently. And what a great party it has been. Consumers have been collectively cashing-in in the millions; and community groups have been reaping the benefits and secretly hoping people take up drinking more soft drinks so the money keeps flowing. Containers are less contaminated, so companies can work with cleaner waste streams; AND, governments can show off the great work they are doing. Here are some headlines from governments that we have enjoyed: “Contain your excitement - Return and Earn hits two billion.” “Container Refund Scheme cracks the 100 million mark.” And, our all-time favourite is the added excitement that comes from including an exclamation mark. “Five new express return pods now open!” So guess what Victoria?! You too can now reap all of these benefits. The government, community groups, companies and consumers will be better off now that the Victorian government has jumped on board. Our questions is, why did it take so long? Victoria had a number of

Thank yo

u to all ou

r charity

partners

Return-It ’s successfu possible l launch through into both our the ACT commitm and Que ent to our dedicated charity ensland containe commun part was mad r refund ity members ners. We than e schemes k you environm in need. so as to ent, but We are prou for your benefit not the broa d to oper der com Return-It ate munity as only the custome . It’s wort r and the well. h it. www.retu rnit.com.a u

Paving the Way

Congratulations to our partners Downer, Close the Loop and the ACT Government on the successful launch of Reconophalt in the ACT.

We look forward to partnering with you to build more sustainable roads in the future.

Daily news updates at www.insidewaste.com.au

Bucher Municipal’s new Marsden Park Facility is now open: • • • • • • • •

19,000m2 purpose-built facility 12 service bays to accommodate Refuse, Vacuum machines and Sweepers State-of-the-art paint facility to handle all equipment sizes Local Refuse Equipment manufacturing 2,400m2 parts warehouse for fast parts supply 24-hour emergency parts & service support: Available 365 days of the year 19 dedicated field service vehicles 80 dedicated industry specialists on site to provide best in class service & support 8 | Bucher Municipal

Bucher Municip

Bucher Municipal is going Electric

Sustainability

New 100% Electric Rear Loader

100% Electric Compact Sweeper

• • • • • •

• 63 kwh Lithium Ion battery pack providing 8 hours of operation • Charge time 2-3 hours • Additional fast charging options are available • 1.8t payload

With our all-electric CityCat V20e sweeper, sustainability remains a key focus. Bucher Municipal has specially created a custom-designed Bucher battery pack that’s tailored to the vehicle. This proven technology subjects minimal footprint to the environment and provides very low noise emissions. And the good news is, even our diesel sweepers are ahead of the game when it comes to performing sustainably. The Euro 6D, Stage V engines meet all current environmental standards. There‘s maximum sweeping efficiency and a lower TCO.

Bucher UrBin 11 on a Hino FE 1426 with SEA-Drive technology 100% Electric Vehicle Provides significant running cost savings Zero emissions and quiet operation, perfect for residential and CBD collection Up to 11 hours running time on a single charge, application dependant 14T GVM chassis provides up to 5T payload Full charge in 8 hours, or optional quick charge in less than 2 hours

Bucher Municipal – where Quality, Service and Innovation meet. www.buchermunicipal.com.au

refuse@buchermunicipal.com.au

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